Alastair Kellock celebrates victory over Argentina with Rory Lawson © PA Photos

Enlarge

Related Links

News: England set top two goal

News: Armitage to appeal suspension

News: Visser agrees new Edinburgh deal

Players/Officials: Alastair Kellock | Andy Robinson

Tournaments/Tours: Six Nations

Teams: Scotland

Glasgow lock Alastair Kellock has been named Scotland captain for the Six Nations.

The 29-year-old second-rower succeeds Rory Lawson as skipper, with the Gloucester scrum-half's fellow No.9s Mike Blair and Chris Cusiter having also taken the armband in the last 12 months.

Kellock led Scotland to a famous series win over Argentina in June 2010 following an injury to Cusiter and head coach Andy Robinson is expecting him to lead from the front after his recent return from a long-term knee problem.

"Al's leadership on and off the field was a key element to our success in Argentina and, since his return from knee surgery, the quality of both his personal displays and the way he has galvanised the Glasgow side, especially over the last month, has been really pleasing," he said.

"I have spoken about the importance of broadening the influence of leaders throughout the side and Rory Lawson, Mike Blair and Chris Cusiter have all led the side well."

Scotland kick-off their Six Nations campaign against France in Paris on February 5 and Kellock is excited by the prospect of leading the team out.

"I was delighted, absolutely delighted to be in the squad and to be asked to be captain is a huge honour," Kellock said. "A lot of the guys came up and said 'well done'. We were straight out to training so there wasn't too much time to dwell on it.

"I am very pleased. I had the opportunity to do it in Argentina a couple of times and it was brilliant. To be able to do it in a Six Nations game will be a massive honour.

"Being captain at Glasgow in the last five seasons has helped me, it's made me play better. I've got to make sure that happens here as well, that I'm playing to the best of my ability and leading by example."