Edinburgh scrum-half Mike Blair wants to take a leaf out of Matt Dawson's book and write himself into Lions' history after he was called up to replace the injured Tomas O?Leary.

Blair initially missed out on the squad but after Munster and Ireland scrum half, O?Leary, suffered a fractured ankle in April Lions head coach Ian McGeechan turned to the Scotland captain.

Wales' Mike Phillips remains the favourite for the No.9 jersey but 12 years ago, Rob Howley was the No.1 choice until a shoulder injury paved the way for Dawson to come in and score the winning try in the first test against South Africa.

And Blair, 27, has vowed to fight his rivals tooth and nail for the starting spot so he too can become part of Lions? folklore.

He said: "The main thing about being selected for the Lions is when you think of the history.

"You think of the great scrum-halfs putting in series-winning performances and some of the great names in the world game who have worn that Lions No.9 shirt. It is a goal to fill those shoes.

"You had Rob Howley who was playing so well throughout the tours in 1997 and 2001 and you had Matt Dawson step in and score that incredible try that turned the course of the series.

"I think being selected for the Lions is the ultimate accolade. It is being recognised for what you do for your country and being selected as one of the best players in your position in the British Isles.

"They are all very special games that everybody remembers where they were when they were watching a Lions test match."