The Mark Bennett revival has led to an international recall but the centre admits he had doubts about his chances of breaking back into the Scotland set-up.

Bennett is in the mix to start his first Test match in almost six years on Saturday when Gregor Townsend’s team take on Italy in Rome.

While his performance as a half-time substitute against France last month was not enough to prevent the Scots sliding to a 36-17 defeat, there were enough encouraging signs to suggest the Cumnock man will be involved again this weekend.

The 29-year-old is relishing his return to international rugby after injury issues and some difficult times at Edinburgh under Richard Cockerill where he found his sense of adventure curbed.

The departure last summer of Cockerill and the arrival of Mike Blair has seen Bennett flourish again, with the capital side playing a brand of attacking rugby more in tune with the player’s instincts.

Bennett said his opportunities to play to his strengths under Cockerill were “more limited”.

“I had to adapt the way I played to suit, and I did that. It meant I didn’t get too many opportunities to do what I do best but I gave it my all,” he said.

While his long absence from the

Mark Bennett: Scotland centre fired up for Italy after fearing he was ‘done’ at Test level