Published: Thursday, 27th November, 2008 3:45pm

Former Dunfermline player McKenzie gets Scotland call-up for Dubai

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FRASER McKenzie used to play in front of a handful of fans at Dunfermline but he"ll now test his rugby skills in front of 50,000 in the searing heat of Dubai.

The former Queen Anne High pupil, who turned professional with Edinburgh in the summer, has been called up for Scotland"s Sevens squad for the IRB Sevens World Series.

McKenzie (20) was taken aback when coach Andy Robinson told him he"d been called up for international duty but knows it could help him break into the top team.

'It was a big shock and also a surprise but it will be a good opportunity for me to improve my skills and learn to play in pressure situations,' he said.

'When you look at Scottie Newlands and also Richie Vernon at Glasgow, both of them have progressed from the Sevens onto Scotland "A" and have broken into the first team at pro team level.

'Their experience with the Sevens helped them to develop as players and I cannot wait to represent my country again after playing for Scotland"s under-20 team last season.'

The National Academy graduate added, 'The Sevens head coach Stevie Gemmell said today that we will be playing in front of 50,000 in Dubai.

"So far the biggest crowd I"ve ever played in front of is only 5000 so I"m really looking forward to it.'