Scotland to keep Test door open for Alastair Kellock

THE Scottish Rugby Union believes that Alastair Kellock could still play in Scotland's autumn Tests, despite having to undergo knee surgery.

Glasgow coach Sean Lineen revealed on Thursday that Kellock had had a second operation on a knee after surgery carried out following his return from the Argentina tour proved unsuccessful. He said that Kellock faced eight to 12 weeks of rehabilitation period, which would see him return him to the field in mid to late October at best - just a couple of weeks before Scotland face New Zealand in the autumn Test series. The mid-range of recovery would put him up against that opening match and a longer term recovery would rule him out of at least the opening two matches.

The lock forward now faces a stiff battle to regain full match fitness after nearly four months without a game, but Kellock said yesterday: "I'll be working as hard as possible, as soon as my knee allows, to be back in time."

Scotland team doctor James Robson said: "Al had a follow-up procedure last week and will be working on his recovery with the Glasgow Warriors medical team. The hope is that he will be available for consideration for the Autumn Tests."

However, Dr Robson confirmed that scrum-half Chris Cusiter, who is due to undergo a knee operation next week, is not expected to recover in time for the autumn matches. Meanwhile, Kellock is among the nominations for the first Magners League Awards to be held in Cardiff on Monday evening.

Kellock, John Barclay and Dan Parks, now at Cardiff, were named in the Magners League Dream Team for last season but Kellock, who will attend the ceremony, is in the race to be named as the league's top captain.

Jon Welsh has been nominated for the young player of the season award alongside Edinburgh duo Roddy Grant and Tim Visser. Glasgow head coach Sean Lineen is up for the coach of the season. The Gilbert Golden Boot will also be presented to the league's most efficient marksman, with Parks way out in front as the league's top kicker, Cardiff will receive the Specsavers Fairplay Award and a cheque for 10,000 for youth development and there will also be a special chairman's award.

Players' player award nominees: Xavier Rush (Cardiff), Ceri Sweeney (Cardiff), Tommy Bowe (Ospreys), Aled Brew (Dragons), Tim Visser (Edinburgh).

Young player award nominees: Roddy Grant and Tim Visser (both Edinburgh), Cian Healy (Leinster), Ken Owens (Scarlets), Jon Welsh (Glasgow).

l To clarify an article published yesterday on the retirement of Gavin Kerr, the Scotland prop, we would like to make it clear that the neck injury which has forced an end to his career was sustained last season while playing for Sale, and was not a reason for him being released by Edinburgh.