Speaking after being included in head coach Sean Lineen’s selection plans for the weekend, Chris said: “It’s been a long time coming and I’m really very happy to be back.
“It’s been the longest 11 months of my career with a lot of ups-and-downs so I’m just happy to be back and I’m looking forward to the game.”
The 52-times-capped Scotland No.9 has been missing from the Glasgow ranks since he sustained a knee injury in the last game of the 2009/10 regular season – one week before the Warriors went onto feature in the inaugural Magners League play-offs.
But after a demanding period of rehabilitation and fitness conditioning, the 28-year-old is desperate to get back doing what he does best.
He continued: “I’ve just loved being outside to be honest. I’ve been in the gym lifting weights, boxing and cycling so it’s great to be out in the sunshine running around playing rugby. I’m a rugby player so it’s not much fun being in the gym after a while.
“I’m finding it pretty tiring obviously having been out for so long but I’ve tried to keep my fitness as high as possible whilst I was injured so that will hopefully benefit me. But it’s going to take me a while to get back up to speed but I’ve got to start somewhere and Italy is a great place to begin.”Image
Chris also paid tribute to the medical staff who have helped him throughout the recovery period whilst thanking Sean Lineen for his patience during the ordeal.
“It [the knee] feels 100% and I can’t feel it at all when I’m running so all the doctors and physio’s who have helped me have done a great job.
“Sean has been very patient and kept me in the loop so I’m really grateful for this opportunity to repay the faith everyone has had in me.”
Despite a prolonged absence from the game this season, the Aberdonian’s international ambitions remain as strong as ever.
“I absolutely want to be involved in the World Cup. I don’t think it’s beyond the realms of possibility at all.
“I feel I can get back to full form pretty quickly I’ve kept myself in good shape but I’ll know a lot more after Saturday.”
The Glasgow Warriors team to play Benetton Treviso in the Magners League at the Stadio Monigo on Saturday 16 April (kick-off 3pm local time/2pm BST) will be announced on Friday.