EX-GLASGOW stand-off Ruaridh Jackson is delighted to be making his comeback from injury for Scotland today - even if it is not in his preferred position.

The 27-year-old, who left the Warriors for Wasps last year, will line up against Ireland at full-back.

He hopes to be able to swap places with starting No 10 Greig Tonks at some point in the Rugby World Cup warm-up match in Dublin, but after nearly a year out of action, he knows that the priority is simply to get back to playing rugby again.

“I definitely didn’t think when I came back into camp that I’d be getting my first full run-out at full-back, but it’s something I’ve done throughout the camp,” Jackson said. “Everyone’s been interchanging a bit.

“Tonksie’s been playing there a bit - we’ve both been at 10 and 15. I’ve played there before so, I should be relatively comfortable but from my point of view I just can’t wait to get back out on the pitch. It’s been a long 11 months.”

Ligament damage ended Jackson’s season last autumn in just his second game for his new club, and given the choice he might have opted for easier opponents to make his comeback against than the Six Nations champions, who are currently ranked No.2 in the world.

But, knowing he may only get this one chance to convince head coach Vern Cotter that he should be in the World Cup squad of 31, he is determined to seize his opportunity.

“It’s a massive challenge,” he continued. “Ireland had a great Six Nations. We know it’ll be a huge game.

“Last game of the Six Nations” - when Ireland claimed the title with a 40-10 win over Scotland at Murrayfield - “I was up here and speaking to the guys.

"They were bitterly disappointed and the atmosphere was pretty low.

“There’s quite a few in today’s team that didn’t play in that game, but they want a chance to show up and get a bit of pride back.

"There’s so much at stake at the end of these few weeks to make the squad and guys are champing at the bit to get that real opportunity to show what we’ve been working for in pre-season, put our hands up and get out on that field.”

Jackson came off the bench to play at full-back late on against the USA last year, and also played for Scotland A there on his debut. So he is not entirely unfamiliar with his starting position today.

But getting a run at 15 is about showing his versatility: the real aim is to prove he can still cut it at 10.

"He has not been told by the coaches that he and Tonks will switch positions at a set time, but he is hopeful that he will be given the chance to show what he can do in the playmaker’s role.

“They said they would try to get me some time at 10, which would be great. But I may find myself there during the game, and I’ll be comfortable enough.

"I’d love to get a good bit of time, but if it doesn’t happen, it’s up to me to make sure I’m doing a good job at full-back.”