JOHN Brain has admitted his surprise at Steve Sparks' Scotland call-up.

The 30-year-old loosehead prop, who joined Worcester from Saracens in the summer, has been included in a 46-man squad to attend a training camp at Murrayfield today and tomorrow.

Brain, Worcester's director of rugby, revealed that contact from Scotland came totally out of the blue.

"They haven't asked about his form or even requested a video," said Brain.

"As befits the current Scotland set-up, there was no contact apart from a phone call last week to request that Steve attend the training camp.

"It's a good opportunity for him because playing Six Nations rugby is still a big thing for a player.

"But it's a blow to the club because, if selected for the final squad, he would miss our game with Leeds.

"I think players feel very much caught in the middle when this situation arises. They want to play international rugby, even for a country whose rugby is rapidly descending to a third world standard. However, the players are also very aware who pays their wages."

Sparks hails from the North East but qualifies for Scotland through an Edinburgh-born grandmother. He travelled for the camp today with fellow Scottish international Ben Hinshelwood.

The Australian-born centre has on-going concerns over his back spasms and Brain has warned Scotland over their management of the player.