The former Northampton Saint is in contention for a starting place when Edinburgh welcome Castres to Murrayfield on Sunday after providing a spark off the bench with his score in the 21-16 defeat in France.

And with less than a year to go until the 2011 World Cup in New Zealand, Webster’s return is perfectly timed for a shot at breaking back into the Scotland team during next year’s RBS 6 Nations.

“It has been a long time on the sidelines and there have been some dark days,” said Webster. “I have not been much fun to live with for the past 18 months, but that is all part of sport.

“I have been working hard on my rehab and I have to say that I am now on first-name terms with all the old ladies in the swimming pool at the David Lloyd Leisure Centre.

“I hope to concentrate on earning my place in the team, but I also know there is strong competition. If I can play as well as I think I can, then that will be enough for me in terms of immediate ambition.

“From a personal point of view, it was good to be involved [against Castres] and to be on the scoresheet, but everyone was really disappointed with the result.

“We could have won it; we had the attacking chances, but couldn’t turn them into points when it mattered.

“Now, we are looking forward to them coming to Murrayfield and then the festive double-header in the Magners League against Glasgow. A victory over Castres would be so valuable in terms of picking up some momentum before facing the Warriors.”

While Webster’s career is finally regaining its momentum, there was heartbreak for Scott Murray, whose dream of facing Edinburgh at Murrayfield was ended by a calf strain.

The 34-year-old lock, who has not featured for Scotland since the 2007 World Cup, suffered the injury in the victory over Edinburgh in France and will miss the chance to remind the Scottish fans what he is capable of.

“It's just such a nightmare time to happen,” said Murray

“You want to play in every game, but there are so many great memories for me wrapped up in Murrayfield and the time I had with Edinburgh and Scotland that this weekend, playing in the Heineken Cup there, was going to be pretty special.”