Cusiter eyes Scots starting role

Cusiter was on the bench for all of Scotland's Six Nations games

Chris Cusiter believes his summer move to Glasgow can help him reclaim a regular start for Scotland.

"First and foremost, I feel like I'm joining a good team," the scrum-half told BBC Radio Scotland.

"Secondly, I wanted to be in the shop window for playing for Scotland and I felt coming back to Glasgow would give me a better opportunity to do that.

"Mike Blair's been playing well but I want to be the starting number nine. That's a big ambition of mine."

Scotland skipper Blair started all of this year's Six Nations games, with Cusiter getting an opportunity from the bench in the four defeats and one victory.

"Coming off the bench is a very different role from starting games," added the 26-year-old, who has spent the last two seasons in France with Perpignan.

"I was pleased with my contribution and, when I got a bit of game time, I thought that made a difference.

"I've been around long enough now to know that coming off the bench is not where you want to be.

"I feel that in the next few years I can play the best rugby that I'm capable of and move onwards and upwards."

Cusiter made his first international start in the 2004 Six Nations match against Wales and was first pick in the 2005 season before a series of injuries hampered his progress.

Edinburgh's Blair made the most of his chance with a string of impressive displays and took over the Scotland captaincy in 2008.

"Playing for Perpignan has been fantastic but it can be frustrating sometimes because you don't play all the games," added Cusiter.

"Myself and Nico Durand share the post and that can effect things if you're out of the picture come the Six Nations or whatever.

"I want to play regular rugby. I feel I can bring good experience to Glasgow and I'm joining a team that's going places."