The 23-year-old returned to the national set-up this week, after more than two years struggling with form, confidence and the usual doubts brought on by non-selection.

He has shown his devastating ability to counter-attack in previous games, notably in the European Challenge Cup and Celtic League wins over Brive and Glasgow last month.

Now he is ready for another crack at the big time as the French come to Murrayfield on February 5.

It would mean a lot to me to be involved in my first Six Nations Championship now, said Walker.

It would be like receiving my first cap again because Ive been away from it for so long.

Id probably take it in more because I realise how hard it is to get there and how hard it is to stay involved at that level.

I am desperate to get my chance and Im confident that I can do a good job for Scotland in the form Im in right now, but if it doesnt happen yet, Im not worried.

Ive always tried to remain optimistic; I always felt I would get there again and I am confident that, because I know Ill keep working, that fourth cap will come some time.

Walker does feel confidence is a huge part of the game, and one which he understands more now than he did as a fresh-faced debutant against Romania in 2002.

I dont think I really took it all in at the start, he added. I was just 20 and was so quick into the professional game - Id only been playing rugby seriously for a few years - and I even went on my first Scotland tour, to Canada and the USA, before Id joined the Borders for training.

I think you feel its easier than it is when that happens, and, looking back, I was given it on a plate almost.

So, when after we beat Romania, South Africa and Fiji, and I scored my first tries, it was a big shock to be dropped and find yourself not part of it anymore.

It definitely affected my confidence and my form dropped and everything became pretty frustrating.

The Borders werent playing too well either, so though I was trying hard to improve, I wasnt getting a lot of the ball and when I did we were going backwards.

Its tough trying to impress selectors when youre not winning and tougher when you're going through a game without seeing the ball.

Walker has coped with the initial rejection by Scotland, selection for the 2003 World Cup but no playing involvement in the tournament, and call-ups to several of Matt Williams training squad, but again with no match-day contribution.

Of course, the fact the Borders are playing better and were playing a more expansive game is a big factor, he said.

Im getting the chance now because the team and especially the guys inside me are playing really well.