Blair set for comeback

The 28-year-old has been out of action since November and has missed a host of Magners League games along the way.

Blair, who has just signed a two-year contract extension with the Scottish capital outfit, suffered an ankle injury in his country's autumn win over Fiji three months ago.

The joint Scotland skipper was absent for the historic win over Australia a week later, as well as the narrow defeat to Argentina in the third and final autumn international.

Although Blair is now considered fit enough to play, a lack of game time meant he wasn't considered for selection for Scotland's Six Nations opener against France this Sunday.

He will instead start for the second-string side when Scotland A take on Ireland Wolfhounds at Ulster's Ravenhill on Friday night.

The 2009 Lions tourist will captain an A squad that includes a total of 13 Edinburgh players as Sean Lineen's men look to build on an impressive 2009.

Blair will hope that a strong performance will lead to a place in the matchday squad for Scotland's second round Six Nations clash with Wales on February 13.

"The players have all bought into what we are trying to achieve and they realise this is a stepping stone towards playing for Scotland in the Six Nations," said Scotland A and Glasgow Warriors coach Lineen.

"Last year, Scotland A enjoyed a huge amount of success - including the Nations Cup triumph in Romania - and only lost one match in 2009.

"Unfortunately that result was against Ireland A, so we are keen to set the record straight and produce a positive performance in Belfast.

"All of the players involved are pushing for selection in the senior team and there is the right balance in the squad with youth and experience."

Scotland A (vs Ireland Wolfhounds, Friday, February 5, Ravenhill, kick off 7.30pm)

15 Jim Thompson (Edinburgh)
14 Nikki Walker (Ospreys)
13 Ben Cairns (Edinburgh)
12 Nick De Luca (Edinburgh)
11 Simon Danielli (Ulster)
10 Ruaridh Jackson (Glasgow Warriors)
9 Mike Blair (captain) (Edinburgh)

1 Jon Welsh (Glasgow Warriors)
2 Dougie Hall (Glasgow Warriors)
3 Euan Murray (Northampton Saints)
4 Scott MacLeod (Edinburgh)
5 Jim Hamilton (Edinburgh)
6 James Eddie (Glasgow Warriors)
7 Roddy Grant (Edinburgh)
8 Scott Gray (Northampton Saints)

Replacements

16 Andrew Kelly (Edinburgh)
17 Kyle Traynor (Edinburgh)
18 Craig Hamilton (Edinburgh)
19 Fraser McKenzie (Edinburgh)
20 Greig Laidlaw (Edinburgh)
21 Rob Dewey (Glasgow Warriors)
22 John Houston (Edinburgh)