But a summer move to French side Montpellier has reinvigorated the No.8 and under interim head coach Scott Johnson he is back in the international fold.

And with the Calcutta Cup up for grabs Beattie admits it is a dream come true to be winning his 17th cap at Twickenham this weekend.

“I'd had pretty much two years of not playing at all,” said Beattie.

“When you're out of things and out of sight, you never know what people are thinking. To get the call was a massive surprise and massively pleasing.

“Obviously at Glasgow I didn't really play much rugby at all for six or seven months toward the end of last year.

“When that's happening, not even featuring for your club side, you think this could actually be the finish of your career, never mind Scotland stuff.

“So, to be back on track career-wise and to be back playing regularly in France on one hand is absolutely fantastic, but to be asked to come back here is something completely different again.”

Scotland have not won at Twickenham for 30 years and on that famous day in 1983 the No.8 was none other than John Beattie, father of Johnnie.

And Beattie junior admits it is about time the Scots had something to shout about after a trip south of the border.

“It's something that's obviously been part of our family history," he added.

"But if I chat to my Dad about it, he's frankly embarrassed that it has stood for 30 years.

“So, the people that are given the chance this weekend to go and play have got a chance to re-write their own family history and history for Scottish rugby.

“I'd be really happy if I could be part of that.”