Injuries delay Scotland team announcement

Scotland have delayed naming their team to play Ireland in their concluding Six Nations match in Dublin on Saturday in a bid to give several injured players extra time to prove their fitness as they seek to avoid landing the wooden spoon.

Andy Robinson, Scotland's coach, was due to name his matchday 22 on Tuesday but has now put his announcement back until Wednesday.

Flanker Kelly Brown faces a series of tests to prove he is not suffering any after-effects from a crunching clash of heads with England wing Ugo Monye during last weekend's 15-15 Calcutta Cup draw here at Murrayfield.

"Kelly is now subject to the usual return to play protocols that are in place following such an injury," said Scotland team doctor James Robson.

"He will be monitored on a daily basis." Full-back Hugo Southwell (calf), wing Max Evans (leg), centre Nick de Luca (shoulder), replacement fly-half Phil Godman (shoulder and chest bruising) are all receiving treatment for various bumps and bruises.

Scotland are bottom of the Six Nations table, having failed to win any of their four matches so far this term.

This weekend they will be up against an Ireland team gunning for a fifth Triple Crown in seven seasons and still with an outside chance of retaining their Six Nations title.

Ireland coach Declan Kidney was due to reveal his team later on Tuesday.