Sam Johnson backed for Scotland Six Nations recall as he prepares for Glasgow Warriors clash with Scarlets

Danny Wilson has challenged Sam Johnson to prove he deserves a Scotland recall by turning in a performance that Gregor Townsend can’t ignore when he plays for Glasgow Warriors against Scarlets in Llanelli on Saturday night.

The centre started in the Calcutta Cup win over England on the opening weekend of the Six Nations but then found himself surplus to requirements for the defeats by Wales and France.

Johnson was replaced at 12 by Warriors team-mate Sione Tuipulotu and never even made the bench for either game.

For the third game in a row Johnson is back on club duties and will be in Wales this weekend as Glasgow seek to maintain the form that has seen them win five on the bounce in the United Rugby Championship.

It’s tough on a player who has been a mainstay of the national side for the last couple of years, striking up an effective partnership with Chris Harris. But Scotland’s loss can be Glasgow’s gain and Wilson is delighted to have Johnson available.

“There is a fair bit of competition there, which is what we want in Scotland and Glasgow,” said the Warriors coach, who believes Johnson can play his way back into the Scotland reckoning.

“Sam is an outstanding rugby player. He played against England in the first win, though hasn't played the last two. But I think he still has a huge amount to offer. Along with Sione that is great competition there so we will see how that pans out.

“I think he now has a good chance to go out there against good opposition and really put his hand up. Then I think he genuinely has a chance to be considered for selection.”

Glasgow have had to contend with a number of injuries and there are seven changes to the side which saw off Benetton last month.

Matt Fagerson, who suffered a blow to