The Glasgow man admitted he had a disappointing Six Nations Championship under Matt Williams and many questioned whether he had the ability to play at the top level.
Frank Hadden also left him out of his starting line-up to face the Barbarians having plumped for Gordon Ross.
But Dan has been restored to the side for Sunday's international with Romania in Bucharest with Ross out with a hand injury and he's determined to take advantage of his good fortune to prove people wrong.
"I was disappointed with my Six Nations campaign and know I didn't play anywhere near as well as I could have done," he said. "Some people had a field day. I thought some of the things written were over the top but it makes you more determined to improve your performances.
"I have never given up hope of playing for Scotland on a regular basis because I have a lot of faith in my ability, but the coach has got new ideas and I find myself on the bench against the Barbarians last week.
"But I came on and did well and now I am keen to take this opportunity and impress whoever is the coach. This is a huge match for us all but for me I know I have to impress to stay in and prove people wrong."
But Dan is with the rest of the dressing room in wanting Hadden to land the job on a full-time basis.
Hadden is reluctant to talk about his dream job until after the weekend but Dan is hoping he will have plenty to say following a second-successive Scotland triumph.
"He has been a breath of fresh air and given everybody a fresh start," he added. "He has only been here for a short time but already you can see the difference.
"Everybody is playing together and the atmosphere in training and on the pitch is great. We are determined to win this for him and get some continuity back in the game."