Former Workington Town star Lewis Tierney has praised the club for helping him get his career back on track.

Tierney, who plies his trade for Wigan Warriors, is looking to make a return to the Zebra Claims Stadium this autumn as part of the Scotland RL squad.

And he admitted his season with Town played a big part in both his mental and physical development.

“Going to Workington helped me massively,” admitted Tierney, whose father is former Wigan and England RU winger Jason Robinson.

“It was hard to see the future and what would come of it but that time up there definitely played a key part in me playing 17 times already this season for Wigan.

"It was a real eye-opener, playing against men. That was a big step for me after Academy rugby and gave me a big boost mentally and physically that I could handle it.

"I’ve moved about this season from full-back to wing and I think that’s good for me as I enjoy both.

"I don’t know which I’m best at yet - I don’t really mind where I play as long as I play."

Tierney attended the initial players' meeting last week as Scotland prepare for the Four Nations tournament this autumn against England, Australia and New Zealand.

“It was interesting to look at the plans and see it all set out in stone,” says Tierney, 21, who has become a regular for Wigan this season.

“It was great to see what’s going on, the facilities we are going to be using, the camp we will be based at, the schedule etc. It’s pretty exciting.”

Tierney qualifies for Scotland as Robinson’s mum, Dorothy, was born in Glasgow and grew up in Kirkintilloch, East Dunbartonshire, before moving to Leeds.

“I’ve always known my heritage and where my family are from," he said.

"If I was going to play international rugby it was always either going to be Scotland or England. It was an easy decision.

"When Steve McCormack said I had a chance of making the squad and getting on the camps, I was chuffed. It’s a big thing for me."

The youngster has been ‘next man up’ for Wigan this season, providing cover at full-back and wing.

Whenever any of Wigan’s star backs are absent, Tierney has filled in admirably, so much so that he signed a new three-year contract last month.

He hopes to play sufficient a role in Wigan’s run-in to secure a place in the Scotland squad that will be confirmed in October.

But he has stiff competition from Warrington's Matthew Russell, Euan Aitken of St George-Illawarra Dragons, Bradford's Oscar Thomas and David Scott of Batley.

“Looking around you realise there’s a lot of talent there so I’ve got to concentrate to the end of the season to get my place,” he admits.

“Steve (McCormack) said it’s the best bunch of players he’s ever had in a Scotland squad. It’s going to be tough to get in.

"But I’m looking forward to working with Steve. He’s never coached me before as I was with the first team by the time he came to Wigan but I’ve heard a lot about him and know that he’s very respected at Wigan as a really good coach."