James Johnstone finally ready to make his Currie bow

Soon after completing the move Johnstone, who is included in Scotland's squad for the forthcoming age-group Six Nations Championship, suffered a shoulder injury which required surgery.

Now, though, Johnstone's efforts with the league leaders are about to pay off, with coach Ally Donaldson paying tribute: "We had been watching James coming through the school ranks at Merchiston Castle but lost out to Watsonians when he left. Fortunately for us, things didn't work out for him at 'Sonians and that proved to be Currie's gain.

"Throughout his injury, he has kept training with us as much as possible so as to get to know his new colleagues and, at some point tomorrow, he'll get off the bench for a run. James' spirits have been kept up by being included for the Scotland under-20s training camp and we look forward to seeing someone who is quite stocky but with pace and good basic skills."

In fact, Currie have already been on the receiving end since Johnstone was on the scoresheet when Watsonians visited Malleny Park last season.

Donaldson added: "It will take James time to get fully up to speed but, with the Six Nations running through until the end of March, it is easily possibly he could get into the side with some impressive displays for Currie.

"It is certainly good to have him available at a time when our two of our allocated pros (Scott Forrest and Chris Kinloch) are away with the Scottish sevens team."

Going into a fixture with opponents who were soundly beaten (56-18) in the reciprocal fixture, Currie rely on a centre combination of Iain Downie and Andy MacMahon for the first time this season while Stewart Walker gets a first start on the wing.

However, Donaldson is relaxed about the situation as his side try to extend a five-point lead over champions Ayr at the top of the table. "Andy and Iain have played together a few times in the past and, in taking over the stand-off position, Johnny Smith has settled in well at a time when Matthew Scott is with the under-20s and Andy Binikos is recovering from a broken leg.

"Andy is now back jogging and it is not impossible he could play again for us this season."

Meanwhile, a familiar face on the Currie bench is former Scotland replacement and tourist, Gavin Scott, taking time out from his duties as national squad analyst. "Gavin has continued training with us and his return in last week's win at Edinburgh Accies (29-5) was marked by a scoring pass."

Scott's experience could be particularly useful against a West side lying sixth in the table and looking for a third-consecutive win after scoring 78 points in defeating Selkirk and Stewart's-Melville.

However, Scotland and Lions hooker Gordon Bulloch is an absentee.

Coach John Beattie insists his side will have to be on top of their game, saying: "We have been going well, but Currie are right up at the top of the league and they play enterprising rugby which can be direct at times. We have to have believe we can win."