Scotland�s Six Nations Championship squad will be named today and, for the most part, the selections for Frank Hadden, the head coach, and his new management team have been straightforward.

Scotland's Six Nations Championship squad will be named today and, for the most part, the selections for Frank Hadden, the head coach, and his new management team have been straightforward.

Injuries have contributed, while in some cases form is reflected in the omission of potential candidates from their club sides. However there is also a need for continuity after what was seen, perhaps rather over-enthusiastically in some quarters, as an autumn Test series in which progress was made.

FULL-BACKS
Hugo Southwell has hit arguably the form of his life with ball in hand since getting a run of games when Chris Paterson was injured. The directness of his running, awareness of what is around him and off-loading have all benefited from a more decisive approach. Paterson was also in fine form before being injured, remains world rugby's best goal-kicker and looked remarkably sharp on comeback as a replacement stand-off last Friday evening.
Probables Paterson and Southwell (both Edinburgh).

WINGERS
Thom Evans, Sean Lamont and Simon Webster are all certainties after injuries ruled out Rory Lamont, Nikki Walker and Mark Robertson, who had emerged with some fine displays for Edinburgh this season. The fourth winger slot must, then, be between Andrew Turnbull, whose pace has again troubled defences since his Edinburgh recall following Robertson's injury and Simon Danielli, back following his latest bout of injury troubles to claim a place in a resurgent, if erratic, Ulster side.
Probables S Danielli (Ulster), T Evans (Glasgow Warriors), S Lamont (Northampton Saints), S Webster (Edinburgh).

CENTRES
The four choices are surely automatic.
Probables B Cairns, N De Luca (both Edinburgh), M Evans, G Morrison (both Warriors).

STAND-OFFS
Again the play-makers from the two Scottish teams are automatic, with the hamstring injury Phil Godman suffered on Friday a worry, but Dan Parks' return to form in Toulouse is a relief. Ruaridh Jackson's inexperience and Gordon Ross's lack of playing time means there is little competition, though Chris Paterson offers an option.
Probables P Godman (Edinburgh), D Parks (Warriors).

SCRUM-HALVES
Mike Blair is Scotland captain and 2008 world player of the year nominee, while Chris Cusiter has been back to the sort of form that got him a Lions tour four years ago, just as Rory Lawson has picked the worst possible time to fall out of favour at Gloucester.
Probables M Blair (Edinburgh), C Cusiter (Perpignan).

PROPS
Moray Low has played well for the Warriors of late but the four preferred for the autumn deserve to go in again.
Probables G Cross, A Jacobsen (both Edinburgh), A Dickinson (Gloucester), E Murray (Northampton).

HOOKERS
Ross Ford's back-up will be one of the Warriors pair with Dougie Hall's greater match fitness likely to put him ahead of Ferg Thomson, whose throwing in needs work after his long lay-off.
Probables R Ford (Edinburgh), D Hall (Warriors).

LOCKS
The autumn pairing of Jim Hamilton and Nathan Hines seems settled while Al Kellock's recent leadership of the Warriors must weigh hugely in his favour. With Matt Mustchin injured, fourth choice seems less obvious since Scott MacLeod has apparently lost his way since last year's dope testing issues, leaving it between Jason White's versatility, Craig Hamilton's form, and Scott Murray's vast experience.
Probables J Hamilton (Edinburgh), N Hines (Perpignan), A Kellock (Warriors), J White (Sale).

FLANKERS
What looked an embarrassment of riches at Edinburgh has been pillaged to the extent that Stevie Swindall could be heading there on loan from the Warriors, albeit the Glasgow side may be less willing to let him go following the injury s ffered by James Eddie last week. Either way, even with the likes of Ross Rennie ruled out and Alan MacDonald doubtful, Scotland's options, while reduced, remain excellent with White's availability as a lock perhaps making the final decision easier.
Probables J Barclay, K Brown (Warriors), S Gray (Northampton) A Strokosch (Gloucester), J White (Sale).

No.8s
With John Beattie still having much to prove at the Warriors, the contenders are clear.
Probables A Hogg (Edinburgh), S Taylor (Stade Francais).