Lions Tour: Taylor's dream call
Edinburgh Reivers back-row Simon Taylor today admitted his delight and surprise at being named in a provisional list for the British Lions summer tour to Australia.
Taylor, 21, is one of 12 Scots called into the 67-man group by Lions chiefs - despite having only two caps for his country, none of them in a competitive match
He said: "I’m very happy. I would never have dreamed I would be in the reckoning for Lion selection, all the more so after my injury.
"My task now is to carry on playing for the Reivers and Scotland A.
Ian Rankin, his club manager at Edinburgh Reivers, said he was "delighted" and backed Taylor to continue his startling progress on his return from a broken hand sustained in the autumn Test against Australia.
He said: "When you have got an initial squad of 67 it seems a big squad - but it is still a huge honour for him.
"Simon has shown in the European Cup - where he was named man of the match in two consecutive games - that he can handle the big stage.
"He has shown he has got that ability to lift his game to whatever level he has to. So I’m delighted for him.
Taylor is the one real shock call-up in the squad - which also includes 12 Scots and other Edinburgh Reivers in Cameron Murray, Chris Paterson, Martin Leslie.
He added: "It’s good for all these guys to be given their recognition."
But Rankin believes that although Taylor’s call-up is a shock, he can deal with the added pressure.
"There have been uncapped players named in the Lions before, but obviously it is a huge step up.
"But having known the guy since school, he has the knack of coping with just about everything that is put in front of him."
Reivers coach Frank Hadden was also surprised by the 21-year-old’s inclusion but cited his selection as an indication of the player’s tremendous potential.
He said: "Obviously, I’m very surprised considering his lack of experience he hasn’t played a lot of games at a higher level. But the selectors have obviously seen something there.
"He’s certainly got tremendous potential, as he’s a pretty dynamic ball carrier and he’s got a good engine in him .
"He’s also got a very good temperament.
"He’s got unbelievable potential - but he’s still got to fulfil that."
Lions tour manager Donal Lenihan insisted the selection process was still on-going despite these players being told to ensure their availability for the summer.
Alongside the 12 Scots, the list of 37 forwards and 30 backs has Englishmen enjoying the lions’ share of places with 22. Eighteen Welshmen are also named, and 15 Irishmen.
