A LARGS teenage rugby star is set to face the game's top young talent after being selected to line up for his country in the Six Nations.

Eben Cairns, 19, who plays for the Glasgow Hawks and Glasgow Warriors, has been called up for the national side for the u20 version of the glamour tournament.

The former Largs Academy pupil first 'tried' the sport as a primary seven and honed his skills with Ardrossan Accies.

Eben admits he has been shocked by the coveted call up - which came after an unlikely starring role in a training match.

He explained: “I wasn’t initially picked to train with the Scotland u20s, however I got a shot to play against them for the Glasgow Warriors at a training camp.

“I had a great game against them and the following day I was asked to join the squad, which was a huge honour.

“It was an incredible feeling getting the message asking me to join my national team.

“This has definitely been the biggest breakthrough in my career so far as everything is at a such a high level.”

The youth side were narrowly beaten by England at Twickenham in their opening game before emerging victorious in a tight test against Wales at Scotstoun.

Eben will now line up against France in Agen on February 24, before home matches against Ireland and Italy.

The Largs local says he is determined to impress on the biggest of stages.

He said: “It’s a really cool feeling being in the squad. There’s a great atmosphere around the team as we all get along really well and have a laugh.

“However, when we are training either on the pitch on the gym, we get serious and we stay focused.

Eben hopes his experience with the youth set-up can stand him in good stead as he aims to make a step up in his rugby career.

He added: “Going forward my goal is to play professional rugby at the highest level I possibly can, so I want to keep pushing myself.

“I would love to be a full time rugby player which is obviously a very difficult level to reach. That will take a lot of work and time but it’s certainly a goal that I aim to achieve."