Father time is on my side

Dad-to-be Ali says he's matured over minutes as he battles for spot in 23

ALI PRICE has put his faith in the power of positive thinking as he battles to reclaim the Scotland No.9 jersey.

The scrum-half became a key man for the national team following the retirement of captain Greig Laidlaw after the 2019 World Cup.

His excellent form led to selection for the 2021 British and Irish Lions tour to South Africa, and he ended up playing in all three Tests.

But in recent months he has fallen behind both Ben White and George Horne in the scrum-half pecking order.

The 30-year-old admits that he would not have reacted well to this setback earlier in his career.

But as he looks ahead to becoming a father early next year, he believes a more mature outlook will help him get his career back on track.

Price said: "Annie and I are so excited about becoming parents and we can't wait for March when the baby is due.

"It has definitely helped me have perspective about not getting as much game time as I would have liked in recent months. It's about the bigger picture.