Warriors boss pleads for patience with rising star Ruaridh Jackson

Mar 11 2010 By Matthew Leslie

Ruaridh Jackson

GLASGOW WARRIORS boss Sean Lineen says rising star Ruaridh Jackson is not the new Dan Parks - yet.

The 22-year-old was widely tipped to take Scottish rugby by storm after a stunning opening bow against Bath last season with some tipping him to be the new Gregor Townsend.

With current fly-half Dan Parks on his way to Cardiff next season Jackson is widely tipped to fill his boots with the Magners League matches during Dan's absence due to the Six Nations being t he perfect opportunity to showcase his skills.

However, Jackson did not shine during the thrashing against Parks' new team and in the recent 19-all draw at Connacht.

But Lineen insists his young protegee will come good but has stressed he must be allowed to do so at his own speed.

He said: "Ruaridh's a quality player and an exciting young talent.

"Despite all the hype and attention that has surrounded him this past year, he is not quite ready to replace Dan just yet.

"He's feeling a little bit of pressure but he's big enough to cope with and and we'll certainly help him in his progress because one day it's all going to click and that will be great for Glasgow and Scottish rugby. But, he's still learning. His kicking game is not quite at the same level as Dan's but he is improving.

"But one day, he'll come into his own and he's close to that."

Of the draw against Connacht, Lineen feels it was an opportunity lost by his Warriors.

They had raced into a 14-3 lead before Connacht reeled them in to lead 19-14.

James Eddie scored a last-gasp try at the corner to level but Colin Gregor, on for Jackson, couldn't land the conversion.

Lineen added: "A draw is better than nothing I suppose but it is frustrating not to have come away with a win.

"We simply didn't make our kicks. If one of them had gone over we would have won.

"This was a game we should have closed out but we switched off and allowed Connacht to come back in to it.

"Yes we're missing players due to the Six Nations but this competition is about strength in depth and some of the guys need to look at themselves because we need them to step up when the regular guys are missing.

"There were some positives to take from this. Peter Murchie and Peter Horne were an outstanding centre pairing and the back row worked well. It is just unfortunate we only got a draw."