VERSATILE Glasgow Warriors back Pete Horne has Gregor Townsend to thank for giving him the confidence to play at stand-off - but insists he is still a long way from being a perfect 10.

Horne has been mainly a centre for most of his career, but in the Scotland squad for the three Autumn Tests he is listed as one of two stand-offs alongside Warriors team-mate Finn Russell. The 27-year-old admitted yesterday he is not sure if he will settle in one position later on in his career, but said it was only thanks to Glasgow coach Townsend that he had the option of playing the two different roles.

“When Gregor came in at Glasgow it was something he talked to me about and said he thought I could play 10,” Horne explained. “It wasn't something I'd thought too much about - since I left school I had always played 12.

“Since then it has meant that even if I'm playing 12 I'm looking to pick up these little extra pieces after training. Little chips, grubbers, things like that. The last four or five years I've always analysed the attack as if I'm playing 10.

“Gregor has tactical meetings every Monday where we review the game and look forward to the next one. The analysis side is something I enjoy.”

Townsend was himself a world-class stand-off, so the confidence he has shown has been especially encouraging for Horne. Even so, the player himself thinks that simply getting into the Scotland squad is more important than the position he is named in.

“He’s helped me so much over the years, but I still have a hell of a long way to go. He pays close attention to details, which is great, because it means I know exactly what he wants from me.

“I guess with Duncy [Weir] moving through to Edinburgh it's meant when Finn's not been available through his head injury it’s let me get a bit more game time [at 10]. In the past Duncy would just come in and I was pushed out to 12 more.

“I've enjoyed my time at 10 this season. With Scotland I've been doing a lot of training at stand-off and in the tour to Japan I was covering it on the bench. You're just desperate to get out there on the field, whether it be at 12 or at 10, then I'm happy.”

The Scotland team for Saturday’s game against Australia at Murrayfield will be announced on Thursday.