Six Nations: John Barclay up for Ireland encounter

Published on 19/02/2013 12:00

John BARCLAY is among 13 players called up to join the Scotland squad that beat Italy as coach Scott Johnson 
prepares to name his team tomorrow for Sunday’s clash with Ireland.

The flanker missed the opening RBS 6 Nations games with a hamstring injury, but has since made his competitive comeback with Glasgow. The additional players join all but one of the 23 who were stripped for the 34-10 triumph over Italy on February 9 with prop Euan Murray unavailable on Sunday because of his religious beliefs.

Hooker Dougie Hall is back training after missing the Italy game with a knee injury. Fellow Glasgow forwards Jon Welsh and Tom Ryder have also been called up along with Sale pair Alasdair Dickinson and Richie Vernon and Edinburgh lock Grant Gilchrist. Glasgow’s Sean Kennedy, Alex Dunbar, Peter Horne and Peter Murchie are also included in the extended squad along with Worcester winger Nikki Walker and Bath fly-half Tom Heathcote.