British & Irish Lions number 8 Simon Taylor has poured cold water on the hype surrounding his return to international rugby in Scotland’s Six Nations clash with Italy on Sunday.
The Edinburgh Gunners back-row forward will make his first Scotland start since March last year after an 11-month absence following knee ligament damage.
Scotland coach Matt Williams described the 25-year-old as "world class" as he welcomed the return of the Lions player for the Murrayfield encounter.
Taylor is considered a key player for both the Lions and Scotland but he has played down any expectations his appearance at Murrayfield will turn the tide for Scotland after defeats by France and Ireland.
He said: "I don’t think there is any extra pressure on me because I have never been the kind of player who produces miracles.
"It is not like I am kicking goals or scoring loads of tries.
"I will go out there and, whatever world class means, I will be like everybody else in the team – trying to do my best.
"I work fairly hard and get on with it, but I will just be another cog in the wheel."
Taylor is relishing the opportunity to play international rugby again after his lengthy lay-off.
He added: "It is very good to be back and I am ready to go. Absolutely.
"I wasn’t ready for the France game, I hadn’t played any rugby then and you probably need to play a couple of matches before you charge into international rugby. But I am ready now and I know what to expect.
"I am probably looking forward to it more than my first cap. I’m not apprehensive, I know what I’m doing and I will just get on with it."
Taylor, who is a number eight, will move to flanker in place of the injured Jason White in a reshuffled back-line.
But the Edinburgh man insists the change of position will not be a hindrance.
Taylor said: "I will play anywhere. It’s all just running about and it’s not too much difference really.
"You just charge into people, tackle them and get the ball so I will be all right."
