By Joanne McKillop

Morrison returned for Scotland this year after four-year absence

He made a return to the Scotland squad after a four year absence, lifting both the Calcutta Cup and 1872 Cup and reached 100 appearances for Glasgow Warriors, contributing to a very satisfying year for the 26-year-old.

But, after a two-month lay off through injury, his next target is the double-header against Edinburgh over the festive period.

Morrison was recalled to Frank Hadden's squad for the Six Nations tournament, which he says proves that hard work does pay off.

"It came as a nice surprise and it was maybe a reflection of the work I'd done," he said.

"I got my last cap four years before and then to be out of the squad completely made me take a long hard look at myself.

I've spoken to guys who've left Glasgow and I think we have certain camaraderie here that might not be the case at other clubs. Graeme Morrison

"I knew I had to become a bit stronger, a bit leaner and a bit faster, so I did a bit of extra work outside training, but it also helps playing in a Glasgow side that is constantly progressing.

"I owe a lot of my own improvement to the success this team is starting to get."

Despite an overall disappointing Six Nations, a remarkable win over England in March saw Scotland lift the Calcutta Cup in what was a career highlight for the centre.

"That was definitely the best experience I've had as far as rugby is concerned. To play in that game and win at Murrayfield was an unbelievable feeling.

"It might not have been the prettiest rugby to watch, but the final result was definitely worth it. My parents had flown over from Hong Kong for the weekend, so that made it all the more special for me."

A good run in the Magners League, culminating in a 21-18 victory over Heineken Cup winners Munster saw Glasgow end the season in fifth place - their best-ever position. But, for Morrison, that was not an unexpected outcome.

"We surprised a few people, but I don't think that included ourselves. In fact, we were a little disappointed not to be higher than that.

"There were a couple of results that didn't go our way and we lost out by a very narrow margin. That's happened a couple of times this season, but we're starting to understand that we can't let these games get away from us."

In October's Heineken Cup match against Newport Gwent Dragons, Morrison made his 100th appearance for the club, making him the third Glasgow player to pass that milestone in 2008.

He believes that the team spirit at Glasgow is what keeps players like Dan Parks and Sam Pinder loyal to the club.

"It was an honour to play my 100th game because not many people can say that they have," he said.

"I've spoken to guys who've left Glasgow and I think we have certain camaraderie here that might not be the case at other clubs.

"We were a young team, but now we're growing into a squad capable of being successful and that is keeping guys here and attracting others back."

MY SPORT: DEBATE Will Morrison make a difference for Glasgow on Boxing Day?

A knee ligament injury against Leinster a fortnight later ruled Morrison out of the Autumn Tests.

But, despite the disappointment, the forthcoming 1872 Cup has given him a target to return to the team.

"It was really frustrating because I've felt that, since the summer tour, my games have just been getting better and better," he suggested.

"There was a week or so of feeling a little sorry for myself, but then it became about getting back as quickly as possible.

"I managed to play for Glasgow Hawks last weekend, which was ahead of schedule, but I wanted to give myself a chance to play in these derby games and then get some momentum ahead of the Six Nations.

"My goal since I got injured was to get back for these games, so now I need to train hard over the next couple of weeks and leave it up to the coaches to see if they think I'm ready or not."

Glasgow go into the Boxing Day and 2 January double-header against Edinburgh not only as the holders of the 1872 Cup but also sitting third in the Magners League and that raises expectations of the players and supporters alike.

"I've played in some games where we've put in awesome performances and the results are finally starting to reflect that. But with it comes the pressure to keep that going and we need to continue working hard until the end of the season and hopefully climb higher.

"As for Edinburgh, you're playing against your competition for a place in the Scotland squad, so if you get one up on them it does you no harm whatsoever.

"The bragging rights are always good, we're quite friendly with these guys, so when you go to the squad sessions you can look them in the eye and know you've done better than them."

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