Will mum be the word for Johnny to get his call-up?
Not content with pushing himself ahead of three internationalists to become Glasgow Warriors’ first choice hooker this season, Johnny Matthews is now eyeing a chance to become a full cap himself this summer.
The 28-year-old insists that his focus at the moment is purely on helping Warriors retain the 1872 Cup and secure qualification for next year’s Heineken Champions Cup by beating Edinburgh in the final game of the regular URC season at Murrayfield next Saturday.
But he does recognise that a good performance in that match – which is often regarded as an informal national trial – could propel him into the squad for Scotland’s summer tour to Argentina in July.
With Stuart Mcinally and Dave Cherry both facing lengthy spells out injured, and Fraser Brown strugglin with a shoulder injur Matthews has to be in contention for the trip.
“I’d be delighted if I got a Scotland call-up, it would be fantastic for me and a great achievement given where I’ve come from in the club game,” said Matthews, who was playing amateur rugby with Boroughmuir in the Premiership less than three seasons ago.
“But I’ve always said my focus is wanting to get in the Glasgow team, keep my spot and see what happens from there.
“On a personal note, I think this season has gone pretty well for me,” he added.
“I’ve had a good run of games through one reason or another and I think I’ve taken my chances.
“I’ve worked pretty hard off the pitch, on the training ground and stuff, to get myself to a level where I can not only compete for the jersey but keep it. “There are some really good established players in my position with Fraser Brown (inset), George Turner and Grant Stewart – three internationals pushing for one spot – so it does take a bit of time and the confidence of the coaches to make you realise you’ve got that ability.
“So, yeah, I’m pretty happy and pretty confident with my performances this year.”
Matthews, who was born and raised in Liverpool, qualifies to play for Scotland through his mother, who is from Blantyre.
“My mum’s side would be buzzing if I got a call-up, in fact both sides would be pretty happy. Liverpool’s not really a rugby city, so as long as I’m not playing for Liverpool the family would be happy,” added the lifelong Everton fan.
“But first and foremost, I’m looking to finish this season as strongly as possible with Glasgow.
“If I get the opportunity to go on the summer tour then that’s fantastic but my ambition at the moment is to make sure Glasgow finish in the best possible position in the league.
“I don’t think we’re looking at that 13-point lead we have from the first leg of the 1872 Cup – our objective is to win the game.
“If we win the game we win the Scottish-italian Shield and then that qualifies us for the Champions Cup, so from our point of view that’s the focus, not just win the 1872 Cup.
“My experience of GlasgowEdinburgh matches is it’s always feisty. There are close relationships on and off the pitch – boys are in Scotland together and stuff – so there’s always that added edge.
“It’s derby day, it’s at BT Murrayfield, and we’re hoping to bring quite a few supporters over to not just make it a neutral venue but hopefully make it like a home game for us.”