Since returning from the 2005 Lions tour of New Zealand, the 24-year-old scrum-half has suffered three serious injuries while playing for Scotland, which has severely limited his ability to challenge Mike Blair for a regular starting spot in the Scotland XV.

His woes began in November 2005 when he damaged the ligaments in his knee during Scotlands defeat to New Zealand.

He recovered in time to sit on the bench throughout the 2006 Six Nations campaign, but when he was finally given a starting spot ahead of Blair, against Italy in Scotlands final match of the competition, he lasted only eleven minutes when his pectoral muscle was wrenched ruling him out of the summer tour of South Africa.

In his next start for Scotland against the Pacific Islanders 11 weeks ago, Cusiter lasted only 14 minutes before falling victim to a dislocated shoulder - when he was slammed into the Murrayfield turf by Viliami Vaki, who was later cited and banned from rugby for three weeks.

It is something that could have been avoided, and it took a couple of months out of my career, which Im obviously not delighted about, but Im back fit now and thats all that matters, said Cusiter.

Ive had my injury problems, but I can leave that behind me now. I firmly believe that lightening wont strike four times.

With Blair out with a shoulder injury, Cusiter has been selected ahead of Gloucesters Rory Lawson - who has been in fine form in recent weeks, and made his international debut as a replacement against Australia in the autumn.

Cusiter believes Hadden is not taking a gamble by selecting him ahead of Lawson, despite the fact he has only managed 60 minutes of rugby - for the Border Reivers against Newport Gwent Dragons on Friday night - in the last 11 weeks.

Im 100 per cent confident, Cusiter said. I came through that game on Friday night with no problems; and having spoken to my surgeon, the Scotland team doctor and the physios, we are confident it is as good as it before  maybe even stronger after all the rehab I have done to build it up.