THE SCOTSMAN REPORTS

Kelly and Angus back in team to face Ireland
DAMIEN KELLY and Angus Martyn have been named in the Scotland team to face Ireland at Myreside on Friday.

The pair missed the side's 13-12 defeat to France at the Stade Robert Diochon last month but will start at lock and open-side flanker respectively in place of Allan Kelly (Glasgow Hawks) and Andy Dunlop (Ayr) who drop to the bench at the expense of Andy Adam (Currie) and Dan Teague (Edinburgh Accies).

Alasdhair Macfarlane (Ayr) and Colin Goudie (Heriot's) have also earned a place in the starting line-up having been on the bench against the French and come in as straight swaps for scrum-half Richard Snedden (Currie) and wing Callum Anderson (Melrose) who, due to the inclusion of new addition Dave McCall (Heriot's), is not in the 22.

Ian Rankin the Scotland team manager, said: "Damien has the experience of playing in the squad for the last few years and has been the heart of our pack - as well as being the cornerstone of the pack in the recent Ayr success so it's good to have him back in the team.

"As for Gus, well we looked at the make-up of the Ireland squad and saw the need for an authentic seven. The Irish pack is going to be a handful, Gus has played at this level before and we need his experience.

"I think he'd agree that his form earlier in the season was not up to his usual high standards but he has forced his way back into the team with some great displays."

Despite all of Scotland's points against France coming from the boot of Scott Wight, Rankin is confident ahead of Friday.

"We definitely have the ability to play heads up rugby, especially with the attacking prowess of guys like Lee Jones Selkirk, Fraser Harkness Selkirk and Colin Goudie Heriot's - these guys are on form for their clubs so hopefully they can take that form forward to Friday night."

This article was posted on 10-Mar-2009, 08:10 by Hugh Barrow.