MacDougall welcomes Hadden link

Ben MacDougall has been in good form for Border Reivers

Ben MacDougall says he is delighted to be working with Scotland coach Frank Hadden again, after leaving Hadden's former club Edinburgh for the Borders.

The Australian-born centre was called into Hadden's training squad ahead of the November Tests.

He stressed that he bore no grudges against Hadden despite being moved on to the Reivers.

"Moving was more of a decision upstairs about resources with the SRU deciding where best to use them," he said.

"The SRU felt I could be better employed at the Border Reivers and I was more than happy to do that.

"Things with Frank are great, although I am sure some people will want to make an issue of it.

"Frank has always said to me from the outset that he was more than happy to have me involved."

It is really important that everyone brings the best out of each player as a squad Ben MacDougall

Speaking after his first day of training with the rest of the Scotland squad, he added: "I was a little disappointed to be left out of the initial squad last week, but it still came as a shock when I got the call-up. It's great to be involved now though.

"Now I definitely feel I can make a difference with Scotland. I want to see Scotland go well as a team and win games.

"If Frank feels that I can do a job and bring something to the team, I will be more than happy to play.

"At the moment, it is really important that everyone brings the best out of each player as a squad, so competition is strong.

"I feel things went well today and I now look forward to training again tomorrow (Tuesday)."

MacDougall was drafted into the squad on Sunday, along with Rob Dewey.

Lock forwards Scott MacLeod and Fergus Pringle were also called into the squad on Monday.

MacLeod has been sidelined so far this season after an ankle problem, but is now available for selection.

Scott Murray and Paul Dearlove both sat out training on Monday with knocks.