Townsend full of praise for Scotland debutant Liam

GREGOR Townsend backed Liam McConnell for a big future in a Scotland jersey after the burgeoning Edinburgh back-rower produced an “excellent” debut display in Saturday's 13-try, 85-0 rout of the United States at Murrayfield.

- Anthony BROWN Press Association

The 21-year-old flanker was pitched straight into the starting lineup after earning his maiden call-up following a strong start to the season with his club.

McConnell marked his big day with a some magnificent carries, the first of which ended with a delightful basketball pass to lay on a try for Duhan van der Merwe.

“Liam was excellent,” said head coach Townsend. “It's very difficult to do that in your first cap. My first 10 minutes of my first cap was a nightmare, I missed tackles and I was all over the place.