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Parks reveals Scotland cap wish

Glasgow Warriors stand-off Dan Parks
Parks has been key to Glasgow's good form this season

Glasgow Warriors stand-off Dan Parks still harbours ambitions to play for Scotland despite being told he does not figure in coach Andy Robinsons plans.

Parks, 31, will join Cardiff Blues next season and has not played for Scotland since November 2008 against Canada.

"I'd like to think I've made steps to enhance my chances of getting back in the squad," Parks told BBC Scotland.

"I'm currently on 47 caps and I'd love to get to 50. If I was given a call-up I'd certainly jump at it."

Parks, who last month became the first player to score 1,000 Magners League points, said he was told he would not be a first-choice pick for the national team.

"I spoke with the head coach Andy Robinson at the start of the season and he told me I wasn't in this immediate plans," he said.

"So, it's not something I'm holding my breath about, or aiming for. My focus is just to do well with Glasgow right now."

Looking back it's been a great time at Glasgow. There's certainly been some highs and lows. I think we all know that

Dan Parks

The player has often drawn criticism for his performances on the international stage, although this season he has enjoyed a revival of form at club level as Glasgow sit top of the Magners League.

However, this will be the Australian-born player's final season with the Warriors before his move to Cardiff Blues and he aims to go out on a high.

"I came here to play rugby and I never thought I'd be here for seven years. I think the move will provide a bit of a freshener," he explained.

"I feel revitalised and fit, and I'm looking forward to a different challenge.

"Looking back it's been a great time in Glasgow. There's certainly been some highs and lows. I think we all know that.

"I want to thank the Glasgow fans who've been behind me the whole time I've been here.

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"I'll never forget the support they've given me."

His boss, Sean Lineen, paid tribute to his stand-off.

"I've always rated Dan. With Glasgow he's been a star. His attitude rubs off on all the players, he's a real character and he will be sorely missed.

"I wish him all the best when he moves on, but he's still got unfinished business to do here.

"He wants Glasgow to do well this season and he's at the forefront of a lot of things we're doing.

And Parks underlined the importance, both on a personal and team level, of making his final season in Scotland a successful one.

"Finishing on a high is obviously massive," he said.

"Since I've been at the club we've never come close to winning anything.

"But this year we're certainly up there, although we've got a lot of good teams behind us and it's a very close competition.

"I just think it would be massive to get in the top four and then we'll see what happens in the last couple of games."



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see also
Blues recruit Parks from Glasgow
04 Jan 10 |  Welsh


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