Robson registers 'concern' over Murray

Scotland team doctor James Robson has admitted to a “slight concern” over the fitness of Scott Murray for next month’s World Cup.

The Edinburgh Gunners lock suffered a knee injury in the defeat by Wales on Saturday but Robson remains confident he will be available for the World Cup opener against Japan on October 12.

He said: “There is a slight concern about Scott but he is progressing better than I first hoped. He is continuing to make great progress, is continuing his rehab and doing very well.”

Gwent Dragons number eight Ross Beattie has been called up for the final warm-up Test against Ireland on Saturday as cover for Murray, who captained the team against Italy and Wales.

Hooker Gordon Bulloch will take over the captaincy against Ireland at Murrayfield although he will not be lining up alongside prop Bruce Douglas in the front row.

The Borders man suffered an ankle injury at the Millennium Stadium and, despite his protestations, has been omitted from the game against Ireland on doctor’s orders.

Robson said: “Bruce has made remarkable progress. He pleaded with me to ask (Scotland coach) Ian McGeechan to include him in the squad but it is not worth risking him.

“I have got no concern about Bruce in terms of being fit for the World Cup.”

Fellow prop Tom Smith has returned to training after breaking a thumb against the Italians and will be ready for the World Cup.

Robson added: “Tom has started training with his plaster on and is doing more fitness work and we are delighted with his progress.”