Italy v Scotland
Struggling Scotland call up Cuthbert
ESPN Staff
February 18, 2014
Bath's Jack Cuthbert looks for an opening, Bath v Ulster, Heineken Cup, The Rec, bath, England, December 16, 2010
Jack Cuthbert - more than two years since his one and only cap © Getty Images
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Edinburgh back Jack Cuthbert has been called up to the Scotland squad for Saturday's Six Nations trip to face Italy in Rome.

Cuthbert, 26, can play either at fullback or on the wing, comes in for Sean Maitland who has been ruled out of the remainder of the Six Nations with knee and ankle injuries. Cuthbert won his only cap to date against Ireland in a World Cup warm-up in 2011.

But Glasgow Warriors scrum-half Chris Cusiter is a doubt and will undergo a precautionary scan to a "tight calf" picked up at the weekend. Edinburgh's Grayson Hart, who made his Scotland A debut last month, trained with the squad on Monday while Cusiter sat out the session.

Meanwhile, under-fire Scott Johnson received backing from scrum coach Massimo Cuttitta who said he was doing "a great job".

"He's keeping the team really focused on our objectives. There were good things in the game, some positives." He said there was enough time between now and the 2015 Rugby World Cup for Scotland's fortunes to be turned round.

"There's still a long time to work, there's good talent in the Scotland squad and I personally believe that this group can do something important. Now, whether it's winning the World Cup or achieving good performances or good wins from now onwards, I believe we've got a good group that we're welding and we can do well. Anything is realistic if you really believe in it."

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