Scots to unleash Maitland’s “jet shoes”

Former Crusader’s winger Sean Maitland is set to grab his international debut, as the 24-year old will start for Scortland  against England at Twickenham.

Despite being born in New Zealand, Maitland is eligible to play for Scotland due to his Glasgow-born grandparents.

“The Scottish team now has some jet shoes and it is quite nice to have them,” said Scotland coach Scott Johnson.

“He has got good pedigree, but it’s an opportunity for him. He does things that coaches can’t coach, so I think he’s a bit different to a normal Scottish player.”

Johnson fully believes that Maitland has the skill and experience necessary for an international appearance.

“It’s got to happen sometime, sharks are born swimming,” said Johnson.

From Maitland’s side, the young flyer says that playing for Scotland will be fulfilling a family ambition.

“I’m very proud to be given the opportunity to start by Johnno – it’s very special and I’m very proud,” said Maitland.

“My parents are happy for me too. They are very proud and talking to my dad, he’s a man of little emotion, but he definitely showed a lot of emotion when I told him the news.”

The match will kick off on 2 February 2013 at Twickenham.

Scotland squad: Stuart Hogg (Glasgow Warriors), Sean Maitland (Glasgow Warriors), Sean Lamont (Glasgow Warriors), Matt Scott (Edinburgh), Tim Visser (Edinburgh), Ruaridh Jackson (Glasgow Warriors), Greig Laidlaw (Edinburgh), Ryan Grant (Glasgow Warriors), Dougie Hall (Glasgow Warriors), Euan Murray (Worcester Warriors), Richie Gray (Sale Sharks), Jim Hamilton (Gloucester), Alasdair Strokosch (Perpignan), Kelly Brown (captain, Saracens), Johnnie Beattie (Montpellier).

Replacements: Ross Ford (Edinburgh), Moray Low (Glasgow Warriors), Geoff Cross (Edinburgh), Alastair Kellock (Glasgow Warriors), David Denton (Edinburgh), Henry Pyrgos (Glasgow Warriors), Duncan Weir (Glasgow Warriors), Max Evans (Castres).