Scotland’s new back row star says he’s flattered to be linked with the Lions.
David Denton shone in Scotland’s 13-6 defeat to England at Murrayfield last Saturday.
The Edinburgh No8 was his country’s brightest light on an otherwise disappointing afternoon and has received plenty of plaudits in the build up to today’s clash with Wales.
Denton’s impressive showing on his international debut has led to him being tipped as a potential tourist when the Lions head Down Under in 2013 but the 22-year-old isn’t getting too carried away just yet.
“I am just trying to keep my feet on the ground,” said Denton.
“I saw some of the stuff when people were talking about me and the Lions, but it’s still very early days. I’ve played just one Test match.
“I’m really thankful to the people who have given me that kind of credit, but there is a long way for me to go.
“You have to be consistent over a period of a time and I’m quite a grounded person anyway.”
Denton will make his second international start as underdogs Scotland take the field at the Millennium Stadium later.
His performance eight days ago means expectations are a lot higher than they were prior to his debut but the Zimbabwe-born, South African-educated No8 insists he isn’t worried that he suddenly carries the hopes of his adopted nation.
“I don’t feel any added pressure because of the way I played against England,” added Denton.
“This is the way I have been playing all season for Edinburgh. There was quite a bit of expectation on my shoulders going into the game and I coped all right. So in that sense, nothing has changed.
“A lot of it is natural. I try to go out and play the way I normally do. You have to forget you’re playing for your country and try to treat it as any other game.
“The most important thing for us is to win and we must make sure we do that from now on.”
