Matt Heeks is more than happy to watch and learn from fellow scrum-half Alfredo Lalanne – but admits he wants his number nine shirt back, writes Graham Moody.

The London Scottish 23-year-old lost his place in the side when Argentinian international Lalanne, signed from London Irish, returned from World Cup duty and has spent the past three matches warming the bench.

But he came on with 20 minutes left of last Saturday’s derby against Esher, playing at full-back, and scored the bonus point try that secured a vital 32-17 win over their relegation rivals.

And Heeks hopes the try will enhance his chances of a permanent recall.

“I am disappointed to get put on the bench,” he said.

“But I am hoping to learn a lot of things from Alfie, he has a lot of experience having played at Premiership clubs and in the World Cup.

“It helps to come in and score that bonus point try and that might push my case to get back in the nine jersey.

“I ended up at wing and full back – switching with David Howells – on Saturday, but I wasn’t complaining.”

Scottish claimed their first win since October 2 as Elliot Daly, Lewis Calder and a penalty try completed the win.

“It was a must win game for us and we hope to turn our season around now,” he said.

“We want to get out of the relegation play-offs.”

Scottish go to Llanelli in the British & Irish Cup on Sunday.