The Scotsman reports


Parks has proved he can rise to challenge

THERE are many contenders for the most difficult job in Scottish rugby, but few face a challenge as steep – or as well – as Dan Parks.

Like all players, Parks hopes of recognition and playing in the big games, but the Glasgow stand-off has been going about his business with a ceiling less of glass, more of iron plate, firmly screwed in place above his head, to a Test arena in which he has appeared 47 times. He is something of a throwback to the days when a stand-off could sit back and control a game of rugby with the boot, and so doesn't, rightly, fit with Andy Robinson's desire to launch Scotland as a more attacking side. But rather than take his boots and walk, Parks continues to prove himself one of the Magners League's most consistent performers, not least when Glasgow need someone to dig themselves out of a tough scrap.

Head coach Sean Lineen is under immense pressure to now promote one of the next rank of young Scottish- qualified stand-offs.

Glasgow Hawks' Duncan Weir is strongly fancied as a leading candidate to follow Ruaridh Jackson into the Glasgow squad in 2010, with Rory Hutton in the sights of Edinburgh, so Parks' time at Glasgow may have only months remaining.

But it is great credit to Parks and also to the benefit of the Warriors that the 31-year-old remains committed to working diligently and reminding the Scottish game of his value to Glasgow.

Jackson will be back this month, but to be a Six Nations contender he needs to play better than Parks, who has played a key role in steering Glasgow to the top of the league and will already have an eye on his festive jousts with Phil Godman.

This article was originally posted on 10-Dec-2009, 07:42 by Hugh Barrow.
Last updated by Hugh Barrow on 10-Dec-2009, 07:43.