THE SCOTSMAN REPORTS
By David Ferguson


THE potential of young Scottish talent and the belief that Glasgow will win the Magners League were cited yesterday by Max Evans as the main reasons why the exciting Scotland centre was pledging his future to the club until 2011.



Both Max, 25, and his younger brother, Thom, 23 – whose deal ends in 2010 – have begun to blossom at Glasgow after a season getting to grips with moves to Scottish rugby via clubs in England. It is a similar story to that of the Lamonts, Sean and Rory, who found their feet in the pro game at Glasgow. However, where they returned south with the lure of big-money contracts, the Evans brothers are keen to remain north of the Border.

Max this week signed a new two-year contract taking him through to 2011 and the fact the World Cup was taking place that year was not an inconsequential factor for the elder sibling.

"My main focus is to be in contention for a place in the Scotland squad for the 2011 Rugby World Cup and playing for Glasgow is going to give me the best chance of achieving that," he said. "Of course being happy where you are, with your teammates and the coaches, is a big thing, and I'm very happy with the set-up at Glasgow, but I also looked at young players, like Ruaridh Jackson, and what he did in his first European game at the weekend; the guys coming through the academy and with the sevens, where I had my first opportunity, and that all gave me confidence that there is a bright future here."

After seven games played out of 18, Glasgow lie second in the table, six points behind leaders Munster and one clear of Ospreys.

"Every player wants to win things and one difference I've noticed at Glasgow in the time I've been here is the change in mindset, the belief that exists here now that we can win every game we play, and we can win the Magners League," Max went on.

"I believe we can and, although we've got very tough away games to come with Cardiff, Leinster and the Ospreys, we might even do it this season. The first step is beating Bath at Firhill on Sunday and even though our Heineken Cup quarter-final hopes are gone, a good win will help the momentum going back into the Magners League."

This article was posted on 11-Dec-2008, 08:30 by Hugh Barrow.