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WSIS - Merrilees to make senior debut
Despite suffering a sickness bug in New Zealand, Merrilees, who arrived back in Scotland this week, gave a good account of himself in his first World Championships and is
relishing the opportunity to further prove his abilities against Ireland and Wales in Cardiff.
New Zealand was a fantastic experience and good to compete against the top players, said the West of Scotland Institute of Sport supported athlete.
It was disappointing to get ill, particularly as I was seeded No.5 and had a good draw; it meant I couldn't play flat out.
But I'm obviously very happy to get my first senior cap for Scotland. I didn't really expect to get in the team so I am quite surprised. I'm still a junior but I did quite well in the Belgium senior event this year. I qualified and beat a few good players there, so that helped.
The eight-strong squad includes Edinburgh's Jillie Cooper, supported by the East of Scotland Institute of Sport, also be in line for her first Scotland appearance at full international level.
Imogen Bankier and Emma Mason, ranked 31 in the world in ladies doubles, are two of the more experienced members of Scotland's young but rapidly improving squad and will earn their 17th and 13th caps respectively in Cardiff. Andrew Bowman is the most experienced man in the team with 26 appearances so far.