Kelly Brown a serious doubt as team announcement is put back

Published on Monday 15 March 2010 22:00

SCOTLAND flanker Kelly Brown faces an anxious wait before learning if he will be passed fit to play against Ireland on Saturday.

• Kelly Brown: Monitored daily. Picture: SNS

The Glasgow forward suffered a blow to his head in the draw with England at the weekend, and will have a medical check every day before learning whether he can play in his country's final RBS Six Nations Championship game of the season.

"Kelly is now subject to the usual return-to-play protocols that are in place following such an injury," Scotland doctor James Robson said. "He will be monitored on a daily basis."

Scotland announced last night they were delaying naming their team for the Croke Park clash amid injury concerns over a number of players. Coach Andy Robinson was due to select his 22-man squad today but this has been put back to tomorrow to give those recovering from knocks extra time to prove their fitness.

A number of Scots who were injured in the Calcutta Cup match continue to receive treatment for contusions. Prop Euan Murray, centre Nick De Luca, wing Max Evans, full-back Hugo Southwell and stand-off Phil Godman are the players still showing the effects of what was a bruising battle.

Prop Allan Jacobsen, who was taken off with cramp, has been passed fit, and is likely to retain his place in an unchanged front row. Nathan Hines could come in at lock for Jim Hamilton, however, while the back row will only change if Brown is ruled out.

There is likely to be little change behind the scrum too. Dan Parks did not play as well against England as he did in the previous two games, but Godman did nothing when he came on as a substitute to stake a claim to the No10 jersey.

Simon Danielli, though, showed up well after coming on at full-back for Hugo Southwell. Normally a winger, Danielli is unlikely to be preferred to Southwell from the start, but could challenge Max Evans for the No11 jersey.

Among the substitutes, Scott Lawson will be fortunate to hold on to his place in the squad. The hooker, whose sinbinning in Wales cost Scotland dear, was again guilty of indiscipline last Saturday, conceding a late penalty.

Meanwhile, Ireland have not ruled centre Gordon D'Arcy out of contention for Saturday. D'Arcy limped off during the first half of Ireland's 27-12 win over Wales on Saturday with deep bruising above his left knee.

Wing Keith Earls is expected to be fit after treatment for tightened calf muscles.