Scotland Head Coach Andy Robinson has named three uncapped players in his 34-man squad for the Six Nations Championship.
Beattie and Danielli return to the squad
Scotland Head Coach Andy Robinson has named three uncapped players in his 34-man squad for the RBS Six Nations Championship.
The trio are 24-year-old loosehead prop Jon Welsh, 20-year-old flanker/lock Robert Harley, and 23-year-old Bath back, Jack Cuthbert, who qualifies for Scotland through his Glasgow-born mother. All three have won promotion from the Scotland A team that defeated the USA Eagles 25-0 back in November.
They are named in a 34-strong squad that will convene at St Andrews for a three-day camp next week to begin preparations for their opening match in the championship - away to reigning champions France on Saturday 5 February.
Also included in the squad is number eight Johnnie Beattie who missed the November Tests on account of shoulder surgery from which he has recently returned to action, while wing Simon Danielli, who was also absent in the Autumn after shoulder problems, also returns.
"There's always excitement in the air at this time of year as we look forward to the RBS 6 Nations Championship," said Robinson.
"Selection reflects both current form and the performances of a number of players during our matches in the autumn.
"I've been impressed by Robert Harley since I first saw him play in a pro-team back-up game some seasons back. He has performed consistently for Glasgow this season in a position where we have strength and there is considerable competition for a starting place.
Work ethic
"Jon Welsh is another who has benefited from raising his game in the face of intense competition and has a good work ethic.
"Jack Cuthbert has had a really good couple of months having won his place in the Bath first XV. He was also on duty during the Nations Cup in Romania last summer and I've said often enough that players who perform for Scotland A are very much in the frame."
Some from the squad will be part of the Scotland A team who play their Irish counterparts, the Irish Wolfhounds, at Netherdale, Galashiels next Friday.
An announcement on players who will join up with the A squad will be made next week.
Scotland squad for training camp at St Andrews beginning Monday, January 24:
Backs: Joe Ansbro (Northampton Saints), Mike Blair (Edinburgh), Jack Cuthbert (Bath), Simon Danielli (Ulster), Nick De Luca (Edinburgh), Max Evans (Glasgow Warriors), Alex Grove (Worcester Warriors), Ruaridh Jackson (Glasgow Warriors), Greig Laidlaw (Edinburgh), Rory Lamont (Toulon), Sean Lamont (Scarlets), Rory Lawson (Gloucester), Dan Parks (Cardiff Blues), Chris Paterson (Edinburgh), Hugo Southwell (Stade Francais) and Nikki Walker (Ospreys).
Forwards: John Barclay, Johnnie Beattie (both Glasgow Warriors), Kelly Brown (Saracens), Geoff Cross, Ross Ford (both Edinburgh), Richie Gray, Dougie Hall, Robert Harley (all Glasgow Warriors), Nathan Hines (Leinster), Allan Jacobsen (Edinburgh), Alastair Kellock (Glasgow Warriors), Scott Lawson (Gloucester), Moray Low (Glasgow Warriors), Scott MacLeod (Edinburgh), Euan Murray (Newcastle Falcons), Ross Rennie (Edinburgh) and Richie Vernon and Jon Welsh (both Glasgow Warriors).
