Six Scotland caps left out but Sean Lineen is comfortable

GLASGOW have left out six front-line internationalists for the return to Heineken Cup duty at Firhill tomorrow night, but coach Sean Lineen has defended the move by insisting some of them would not be capable of playing for Scotland in the forthcoming RBS Six Nations Championship without a week's rest.

Scotland captain Chris Cusiter is joined by Glasgow skipper Alastair Kellock, front rows Moray Low and Dougie Hall, flanker John Barclay and Graeme Morrison, the centre, on the sidelines. But Lineen also pointed to a growing strength in depth, insisting this was the strongest squad he'd ever worked with, which left him confident the changes would not harm the side.

Ruaridh Jackson will wear the Glasgow No 10 jersey for the first time this season and begin a comeback many hope will lead to the Scotland squad, partnering experienced half-back Colin Gregor, named captain on his 90th appearance for the club.

Scotland centre Rob Dewey is back from injury while Ed Kalman wins a recall at tighthead prop, Dan Turner is back at lock, Kelly Brown steps into Barclay's No7 jersey and the promising Callum Forrest starts at blindside.

Lineen accepted that he made similar changes to the side in September and they lost 30-19 away to this week's opponents. He stated: "I hold my hand up; I got that wrong. There were two extra changes during that week I didn't expect with Thom Evans and Moray Low pulling out, but this is a different time of the season, priorities have maybe slightly changed now, but this is Europe and it is massive for us.

"We've made a few changes because it's a long season for our international players. We are not resting them really; there are a few guys with niggles who could do with the rest. Moray Low has played in every game and is tired; he's on his last legs and needs a break.

"But, looking at what's coming up (the Six Nations] one of the benefits of playing in Scotland is that we can look at doing that. John Barclay also has a groin getting sore again, for the first time in a few years, and it's partly to do with training so much, I think, on the artificial surfaces.

"We're very serious about the Heineken Cup but we also have to look at our position in the Magners League. We did not just throw these guys in. It has taken a lot of planning, but it's a real opportunity for guys like Rob Dewey to make their mark.

"This is the strongest squad we've had. Colin Gregor has been fantastic in Europe, of course we're going to give Ruaridh a game now he's back, and Rob Dewey is an international player. It's a pity we let ourselves down in a couple of games in Europe - at home to Biarritz and down at Gloucester – but I'm confident this team will win against the Dragons."