Alasdair Strokosch ruled out of autumn Test series

Alasdair Strokosch has been ruled out of the Scotland squad for next month's matches against New Zealand, South Africa and Samoa.

• Damaged ligaments: Alasdair Strokosch

The 27-year-old Gloucester flanker is expected to be sidelined for six weeks after damaging knee ligaments in the closing stages of his club's Aviva Premiership match with Harlequins at the weekend.

Strokosch won his 17th cap on the summer tour of Argentina. Scotland head coach Andy Robinson said: "We wish Alasdair a speedy recovery. We may yet draft another player into the squad for our training camp in St Andrews next week and we'll discuss that after the matches this weekend."

The loss of Strokosch removes another back-row option from Robinson's plans, with No 8 Johnnie Beattie ruled out as long ago as July by shoulder surgery. With those two absent, the back row looks likely to be Richie Vernon at No 8 with John Barclay and Kelly Brown as flankers.

There was better news for the SRU yesterday when it was announced that the BBC will screen live all three of the autumn internationals. The matches pitting Scotland against the world's top two countries, New Zealand and South Africa, and the Pacific islanders from Samoa, will be available on TV, radio, online, HD and iPlayer.

SRU chief executive Gordon McKie said: "We very much welcome this new deal with the BBC and we are sure supporters of the Scotland team unable to travel to Murrayfield or Pittodrie in person to enjoy the very special atmosphere of Test match rugby will be delighted that they will be able to follow the progress of our resurgent team under the direction of Andy Robinson."

Scotland play New Zealand on 13 November and South Africa on 20 November at Murrayfield, and conclude their Autumn Tests against Samoa on 27 November at Pittodrie.