Edinburgh have secured two of Scotland's most promising young scrum-halves until 2016.

Sean Kennedy, left, and Sam Hidalgo-Clyne, aged 22 and 20 respectively, have now been urged by Alan Solomons, the Edinburgh coach, to challenge Greig Laidlaw for the No.9 berth.

Kennedy, cousin of the recently re-signed lock Grant Gilchrist, has already deputised for the Scotland half-back this season before a knee injury allowed Hidalgo-Clyne to gain some first-team exposure.

"It's tremendously pleasing to see young Scottish players come through," said Solomons. "Sam has progressed tremendously since the beginning of the season He's had a bit of game time and I think he has a wonderful future ahead of him. It's fantastic he's committed to Edinburgh.

"Similarly, Sean, who's a little bit older and more experienced, is also a fine young player and a tremendous prospect. Like Sam, I believe he has the qualities necessary to go on and play Test rugby for Scotland. Scrum-half is a key position. It's vital that we have good depth and we certainly have quality in that area with all available to play for Scotland."