Have you no heart, Warren Gatland?

In an age of instant communication, of social media, of Twitter and text, you tell the players who want to be part of your Lions tour to Australia this summer that they will just have to watch your announcement live on Sky at 11am on Tuesday to find out if they have made it. Just like the rest of us.

Actually, the players' experiences are likely to be rather different to what the rest of us go through. Rather more tense, rather more agonising, rather more crushing for those who miss out. Zappers will be thrown, doors slammed, cats kicked. Those left behind when the 36-man squad is named should be given a wide berth for a while. Maybe about four years or so.

So who are the Scots on Gatland's radar? The indications are that Scotland's representation could be stronger this year than at any time since the 1997 tour to South Africa, but many look touch-and-go for selection. Only one or two are cast-iron certainties. Here, we run the rule over their chances.

Ross Ford (Edinburgh, hooker)

The case for: Ford is hugely experienced, toured South Africa four years ago and made a big impression when he played in the final Test in Johannesburg. His work ethic is outstanding and he is well-respected by his peers.

The case against: His form has dipped this season and he is up against stiff competition from Rory Best, Tom Youngs, Richard Hibbard and Dylan Hartley. Maybe one for the reserve list.

Stuart Hogg (Glasgow, full-back)

The case for: Hogg thrives in good company; the higher the standard, the better he plays. He has been electric for Scotland over the past two Six Nations seasons and has the ability to play off-the-cuff - a priceless asset in the Lions context.

The case against: Aged 20, Hogg is still young, and has a tendency towards hot-headedness. Rob Kearney and Leigh Halfpenny are formidable rivals.

Ryan Grant (Glasgow, prop)

The case for: Scottish looseheads are something of a tradition on Lions tours – think Hugh McLeod, Ian McLauchlan, David Sole and Tom Smith. Grant is in the same mould and he has been outstanding for the past 18 months.

The case against: A late developer, Grant still cannot match the hard-nosed experience of players such as Gethin Jenkins of Wales and Ireland's Cian Healy.

Matt Scott (Edinburgh, centre)

The case for: There are few better midfield all-rounders in the British game today. Scott has been a class act for Edinburgh and Scotland since his emergence last season and has never looked out of his depth at any level.

The case against: Gatland may lack depth at centre, but quality is not an issue with players like Brian O'Driscoll, Manu Tuilagi and Jamie Roberts around. Still, Scott's utility value is clear.

Tim Visser (Edinburgh, winger)

The case for: You need to ask? As the Murrayfield announcer keeps telling us, Visser scores tries for fun. Has never looked out of his depth since his move up to Test level last year.

The case against: Visser's defence has unquestionably improved, but it is still his Achilles' heel and he is often caught out of position.

Greig Laidlaw (Edinburgh, scrum-half)

The case for: Laidlaw has the heart of a lion, so he is half way there already. Looked sharp as he returned to his preferred scrum-half berth this season, but his ability to play at 10 and goal-kicking gifts are major assets.

The case against: Considered purely as a scrum-half, Laidlaw is still further down the food chain from Mike Phillips, Ben Youngs and Danny Care. And Gatland has said he prefers specialists.

Richie Gray (Sale, lock, main picture)

The case for: Probably the greatest combination of raw talent and physical presence in today's game. At his best, Gray is a peerless rugby machine.

The case against: Can occasionally drift out of matches, while there are doubts about his fitness.

Nathan Hines (Clermont Auvergne, lock)

The case for: His powers appear undimmed as he has become the core player in Clermont's superb pack. Cruelly denied a Lions cap by a suspect citing complaint four years ago, the big man surely deserves his place again.

The case against: He has been out of Test rugby for 18 months. On top of which, Clermont look likely to be involved in the French club final, which overlaps with the tour.

Jim Hamilton (Gloucester, lock)

The case for: The Lions usually put down a marker that they won't be pushed around, and big Jim could be the man to make that point. Massively respected by team-mates and opponents alike.

The case against: Has been known to give away the odd penalty or 10 and his form can be erratic.

Johnnie Beattie (Montpellier, No 8)

The case for: One of the most naturally gifted ball-playing forwards in the game, Beattie had an impressive Six Nations after returning from international exile.

The case against: Consistency is not his middle name and Gatland may prefer the more physically abrasive habits of Jamie Heaslip and Toby Faleta.

Kelly Brown (Saracens, flanker)

The case for: Does he ever play a bad game? One of the hardest working players around, Brown is an unsung hero, but his all-round effectiveness and versatility will surely have been noticed by Gatland.

The case against: This is an age of plenty as far as loose forwards are concerned. The Sam Warburton/Justin Tipuric flank partnership was wonderfully effective for Wales and it would be hard for Brown to break in.

Sean Maitland (Glasgow, winger)

The case for: Maitland was a top try-scorer for the Crusaders in Super Rugby and thrives on hard Australian grounds. A superb all-round athlete and footballer who can also do a shift at full-back.

The case against: Not much against, but he faces tough opposition with George North, Chris Ashton, Alex Cuthbert and Tim Visser looking for places.

Euan Murray (Worcester, prop)

The case for: A mighty physical force who has subdued Australian packs in the past, Murray missed out on Test selection in 2009 and is determined to add a Lions cap to his cv.

The case against: Tends to play the odd great game and disappear in others. An out-and-out tighthead, he faces strong opposition from Adam Jones and Dan Cole.