New arrival has not hindered Henderson's World Cup hopes

Andy Henderson became a father last week but he is determined not to let it affect his selection for the first of Scotland’s two World Cup warm-up matches.

Seven days ago wife Anna gave birth to Jamie in Glasgow and being picked at inside-centre in a very strong Scotland side for Saturday’s match against Ireland was merely the icing on the cake.

However, Henderson said his new domestic status has not been allowed to disrupt his preparation for the big match.

“I’ve probably had a bit less sleep over the last few days than I normally would have, but apart from that it has been like any other Test week,” said Henderson.

“I’ve managed to get home a few times and that flexibility from the management team has been much appreciated, but it is my wife Anna who has put in most of the hard yards.”

It might be a friendly match but for Scotland the stakes could not be higher.

With Irish coach Eddie O’Sullivan selecting several fringe players in his team, a defeat for Scotland could have a catastrophic effect on morale ahead of next month’s showcase event.

“Their team over the last while seems to have been pretty consistent – there is a lot of guys there with a lot of caps – so I guess they are in a position where they can have a bit of a look at a few other guys with a view to giving them a squad place,” said Henderson.

“But they still have a core through their team of really experienced individuals, and we know them all through the Magners League and the guys who have come in are good quality players.”

With 44 caps Henderson is the second most experienced back in the Scotland side, behind Chris Paterson at stand-off.

But his place in Saturday’s team was by no means guaranteed, with Rob Dewey emerging as a serious challenger for the number twelve jersey in recent seasons.

In an effort to accommodate both players Scotland coach Frank Hadden has shunted Dewey to outside centre – repeating an experiment which was only a qualified success when Scotland played France at the end of last season’s Six Nations championship.

Major doubts persist as to whether Dewey has the experience and the tactical know-how to cope with the unique defensive challenges faced by an outside-centre.

Henderson is sure Dewey is up to the task, and he said he will do everything he can to help the younger player through Saturday’s challenge.

“The two positions are quite different and if you play one of those positions a lot then it can be tricky when you move to the other position,” added Henderson.

“In both defence and attack you have to get used to operating with different guys inside and outside you, so it is a big challenge for Rob.”