Scotland's Sean Maitland has spoken of his appreciation at being selected for the Rugby World Cup, especially as he has not played in seven months.
Winger Maitland, 26, damaged his shoulder ligaments and tendons and required surgery in February.
"I have been out for seven months, and there were times in the last nine weeks in particular when we had doubts, times when I thought, 'Man, I'm not going to make it'," the New Zealand-born flyer told The Telegraph.
"I am just incredibly grateful that Vern [Cotter] and the coaches have given me an opportunity to get back out there and have a run around. To be honest, I didn't know what the coaches were thinking, so for me the worry was always about getting back fit.
"I am just really grateful that I've been picked in the squad, and I know I have a point to prove this weekend. But it was always going to be close, given the deadline for selection. I always felt I would be ready a week or two before the World Cup, but it was always touch and go."
Maitland will deputise for Stuart Hogg at fullback this weekend when Scotland travel to France in a World Cup warm-up match.
Calum Gillon
