John Beattie targets Warrior James Eddie as West face up to relegation scrap

Nov 5 2009 By Matthew Leslie

WEST Of Scotland boss John Beattie has issued a plea to Glasgow Warriors gaffer Sean Lineen to let him have James Eddie for their crunch trip to Heriot's.

Warriors flanker Eddie was farmed out to West last week in order to give him some game-time as he bids to get back into the Glasgow first team.

Despite being unable to prevent West from slipping into the drop zone after their 34-26 home loss to reigning SHE Premiership champs Ayr, Beattie was impressed with the attitude brought to the table by Eddie and hopes Lineen will allow him to come back for Heriot's.

He said: "James did well last Saturday. He had a couple of good ball carries and his all-round games was superb.

"Because he had been out for a while he was blowing out of his backside after 50 minutes but, he'll get stronger the more games he's allowed to play.

"I believe the Warriors are off on holiday this week but I hope Sean lets James come back for another match for us.

"Not only will it be good for us to have a player of his calibre but it will do him the power of good as he needs game-time to help him get ready for a return to the Warriors."

Beattie was also impressed with Eddie's enthusiasm in embracing grass-roots rugby again.

He added: "I've got to admit that if I was a pro-rugby player coming back to the club scene, I'd be a bit subdued about it.

"As soon as James walked in for his first training session with us he just lit up the place with his enthusiasm and positivity.

"Everything he did was whole-hearted and he was a credit to himself and the Warriors for his attitude which I'm sure reflected on the squad - particularly the younger members that we have here.

"Mark my words, one day he will be capped for Scotland. If he can get an injury-free run then I believe it will only be a matter of time."

Of the game itself, despite a strong showing against a team of Ayr 's quality, Beattie felt it was an opportunity lost.

He added: "We gave them a head-start early on and although we nearly reined them back in, it proved to be our undoing.

"But we are scoring tries now but we need to tighten up in order to get our of the drop zone."

Elsewhere, Glasgow Hawks were caught cold as league leaders Currie roasted them 59-6.