Paterson likely to be fit for Scotland training this week

Published on Monday 2 November 2009 22:00

CHRIS Paterson is expected to train with his Scotland team-mates this week after being put on a drip to treat a foot infection.

The Edinburgh full-back missed his side's Magners League defeat by Newport Gwent Dragons on Sunday after undergoing three days of hospital treatment. The 31-year-old visited hospital daily on Thursday, Friday and Saturday to have antibiotics administered.

However, the Scotland camp expect their record points scorer to recover from the injury to his right foot in time to train at St Andrews this week, after assessing his condition yesterday.

All 35 players in the squad for the three-day session to prepare for this month's Bank of Scotland Corporate Autumn Tests reported for duty. However, the seven Edinburgh players who started Sunday's 9-8 defeat against the Dragons were excused from training yesterday afternoon.

Both Mike Blair and Kyle Traynor, who began the Murrayfield contest on the bench, took part in head coach Andy Robinson's routine.

Traynor was called into the squad at the weekend amid ongoing concern over the condition of Alasdair Dickinson, who sat out the session.

The Gloucester prop suffered a shoulder injury in Guinness Premiership action last month and looks to be a doubt for the Murrayfield contest against Fiji on 14 November.

Scotland team doctor James Robson said: "Ally will be going to Spire Murrayfield Hospital for some isokinetic testing as part of his assessment process following the shoulder injury he sustained last month. This testing basically involves exercising the shoulder in various positions."

As well as Paterson, Alan MacDonald also missed Edinburgh's game on Sunday with a calf injury, but he too is expected to recover in time to train this week. But centre Ben Cairns, who was taken off against the Dragons with a knee problem, may miss out.

Robson added: "Of the Edinburgh players on duty last night, we'll look to give a bit of time for the bumps and bruises to settle. Ben Cairns, who retired with a knee injury, will not be training tomorrow. He is on treatment and rehabilitation and will be subject to further assessment."

Ospreys winger Nikki Walker also missed yesterday's action, but his injury is not thought to be serious. Robson said: "Nikki is recovering well from the facial injury he sustained on Friday and I would anticipate he will return to training tomorrow."

As well as playing Fiji, Scotland also host Australia and Argentina this month.