GLASGOW star Chris Fusaro has been given a massive boost by the elevation of fellow-Warriors rookies Stuart Hogg and Duncan Weir to Scotland's senior squad during the RBS Six Nations.
The 22-year-old has been superb in recent weeks as War-riors have continued their RaboDirect Pro 12 play-off bid with a first-ever win at the Ospreys and battling draws with European champions Leinster and Irish province Connacht.
With Warriors head coach Sean Lineen known to believe it is a case of "when, rather than if" Fusaro will receive inter- national recognition, the fact the flanker has dislodged John Barclay from the Glasgow openside has also contributed to the latter's demotion from the Scotland starting position at No.7.
But while Fusaro has been outstanding for Lineen's men, Hogg and Weir have impressed in their first-ever selection for Andy Robinson's Scotland, and Fusaro says this is the proof that, if he cuts the mustard for Warriors, international caps will follow.
The openside said: "It has been great the way Hoggy and Duncy have come into the Scotland side and done really well. It says so much about their self-belief and confidence they can make the type of impact they have at the start of their Scotland careers.
"Hoggy took his try really well against the French at Murrayfield last time out and was very unlucky not to get another one in Wales when the referee penalised him for a knock-on that never happened.
"But the way these guys have been given the chance by Andy tells you that if you do it for Glasgow the opportunity will come with Scotland."
Glasgow have a free weekend before kicking off the five-game finale to the Pro12 with Friday week's visit of Italian back markers Aironi, and Fusaro says it is vital Glasgow maintain their concentration levels.
He said: "It is a plus we have this weekend off. Although we had a great win at Ospreys and you want to kick on from that, it was draining. So the free weekend is a plus when it comes to giving our bodies a break.
"We know Aironi have been struggling in the Pro12 and are bottom right now, but you can't afford to let that affect how you view things and prepare for the game. Back in November we went over there and they gave us plenty of trouble before we won 18-6."
lIreland will be without injured captain Paul O'Connell and scrum-half Conor Murray for Saturday's meeting with Scotland and the rest of the tournament.