New Scotland call-up Hugh Blake has pleaded for the chance to show he is worthy of a Dark Blue jersey.

The Edinburgh back-rower only stepped off a plane from his native New Zealand last month and has yet to even play for the capital club yet.

Most Scotland fans had no idea who this latest "Kilted Kiwi" was when Vern Cotter handed him a place in his squad for the up-coming RBS 6 Nations.

His inclusion was at the expense of former skipper Kelly Brown and on-form Scarlets flanker John Barclay

But Cotter insists Blake has a set of skills that no-other born-and-bred Scot possesses.

Now the 22-year-old wants the chance to prove his fellow New Zealander right.

He said: "It's all happened earlier than expected but I'm honoured and psyched to be a part of it.

"There's a bit of controversy there but I can't do anything about that.

"I didn't select the team. I'm just going to be trying my best over the next few days to try to eventually play for Scotland.

"I just want people to give me a chance."

Blake is eligible for the Scots courtesy of his Glasgow-born grandparents, who emigrated to New Zealand's North Island in the 1960s.

But he has already starred for the All Blacks at the Under-20s World Cup in South Africa.

However, he insists turning out with the Silver Fern on his chest was only ever a temporary measure before swapping it for a Thistle.

He explained: "As I grew up playing rugby in New Zealand I always knew I had the option of playing for Scotland.

"I just decided to give it a good crack, hence why I have come over here at such a young age.

"My family is very proud that I made it into the squad.

"I knew I had this option of playing for Scotland. I played for the New Zealand Colts at the World Cup, but I knew that would be a good chance for me to prove myself to the guys from Scotland and that's where I got picked up.

"As soon as that happened I was really keen to get over here"

Meanwhile, Scotland have confirmed David Denton and Sean Maitland will miss the start of the Six Nations.

Glasgow wing Maitland sustained a shoulder injury during his side's European Champions Cup clash with Bath on Sunday, while Edinburgh number eight Denton damaged a calf playing for the Gunners against Bordeaux in the European Challenge Cup.

Both players have now been ruled out of the opening clash with France in Paris on February 7 but Cotter hopes they will be fit enough to take part later in the championship.