Seymour gives the credit for tour place to Gregor

TOMMY Seymour has praised Gregor Townsend for helping him turn around his career as he prepares for the Lions tour.

Selection was reward for the winger’s try-scoring form with Glasgow Warriors and Scotland.

And Seymour, 28, was quick to thank current Warriors head coach Townsend, below, for reenergising his career.

When he signed for the Scotstoun club in 2011 from Ulster he was not sure where his rugby was heading, but he said: “I don’t think many people could have written this path for me.

“I never expected to be a Lion in a million years. The way my career’s progressed I can never have enough gratitude and thanks to Glasgow and the SRU for giving me an opportunity to carry on playing.

“Guys like Gregor and other coaches have been great for me because they have given me opportunities and belief.

“When I had to leave Ulster at a young age because I was surplus to requirements you have doubts in your head, but coming to Glasgow has changed things for me.

“It’s an amazing feeling and a really proud moment for me and my family.

“It’s a once-in-a-lifetime kind of thing and you’re trying to take it in and your phone’s going mental for days!”

Meanwhile, fellow Scot Stuart Hogg has his eyes on the No.15 jersey for the first Test.

The 24-year-old will face competition from Leigh Halfpenny and others for the spot, but said: “The hard work starts for us now. It’s not just a case of being happy to be selected, it’s now about working hard and aiming for starting jerseys.

“To play in the first Test is the goal now, I’ve become a better players since being part of the last Lions tour.”