Ally Hogg targets a return to the Scotland ranks

Hogg last featured for Scotland in February 2009 against Wales

Newcastle Falcons back-rower Ally Hogg has targeted a return to the Scotland squad for the Six Nations despite being overlooked for September's World Cup.

Hogg's last Test cap came against Wales in the 2009 Six Nations, one of 48 appearances for his country.

"I've still got a massive desire to play for Scotland," the 28-year-old told BBC Newcastle.

"I'll take it on the chin, hopefully I'll play well in the Premiership and get in the squad for the Six Nations."

Injury has hampered the Stirling-born number eight's progress, with a hip injury ruling him out of much of the 2009-10 season at former club Edinburgh and Scotland, although he was a regular at Kingston Park last term with 21 appearances.

Meanwhile Falcons build up to the new season with friendly matches against Glasgow, Edinburgh and Leeds Carngie, before the Premiership kicks off on 3 September with the visit of Bath.

"It's the start of things to come, we've got games every week now, I think after this weekend the next weekend we've got off is in February, so it's a long slog," Hogg added.

"I'm looking forward to it, you do all the preseason training to gear up for it, then there's the contact stuff.

"We feel a lot better than last year, we didn't have enough preparation.

"We've got these three games in succession, it's always good to go back home, I'm playing against a few guys I know."