Scotland v USA: Liam McConnell reveals his surprise at earning first call-up from Gregor Townsend

Liam McConnell admitted he did not anticipate being called up by Scotland so early in his development.

Prior to this season, the 21-year-old back-rower had made only five senior appearances for Edinburgh – four of them as a substitute.

After starting four of his club’s five United Rugby Championship matches this term, however, McConnell has been given the chance to make his full Scotland debut after being named in the squad for next month’s Tests against USA, New Zealand, Argentina and Tonga.

Asked if he expected to get the call last week from head coach Gregor Townsend, the blindside flanker said: “No, not really. I guess when you’re playing you maybe always hope that you might get a call.

“You kind of know what day the phone calls are going out, so you’re maybe sitting a bit closer to your phone that day.

“I wasn’t waiting on it, but when it came it was definitely a surprise.

“I was just over the moon to be starting for Edinburgh, even just playing for Edinburgh. This is not how I expected the season to go really.”

McConnell knows Scotland are stacked with experienced back-row options, but he is keen to savour every moment of his involvement with the squad.

“Mainly just experience, seeing what some of the best players do and how they train,” he said when asked what he hoped to get from the next month.

“Obviously if the opportunity to get a cap did happen, then that as well. That would be awesome. I’m just happy to be here, learning from everyone.

“There are a lot of back rows here, so there’s a lot of competition. It’s just about trying to put my best foot forward and seeing what happens.”

McConnell revealed he has modelled some of his game on that of senior Scotland international Jamie Ritchie, who left Edinburgh in the summer to join Perpignan.

“I think we’re kind of similar in a way to how we play, both sixes,” he said. “I think I’ve probably learnt a lot from him. Since he’s left I’ve tried to do things that he used to do while he was at the club.”