James McLaren will make his comeback in a Scotland jersey on his old stomping ground at Stirling when he lines up against Ireland in the A international on Saturday night.

McLaren was an ever-present in the senior side during last season's Six Nations campaign, but was left out of coach Ian McGeechan's autumn Test series plans in the wake of his summer switch from Glasgow to Begles-Bordeaux in France.

Now the ex-Stirling County centre aims to use the Bridgehaugh outing as a
springboard back to the big stage.

There is also a surprise recall for former World Cup wing Craig Joiner - but there is disappointment for veteran lock Doddie Weir and rookie wing Simon Danielli.

Weir's hopes of a comeback to national colours after an absence of two years was dashed when he suffered bumps and bruises in a car crash last week, while Bath star Danielli has failed to shake off a leg knock.

Others ruled out for fitness reasons were Borders utility back Stephen Cranston and Glasgow breakaway forward Donnie Macfadyen.

In addition, experienced Northampton prop Mattie Stewart was granted leave of absence to concentrate on improving his match fitness.

He only returned to action for the Saints recently following an injury sustained during the autumn internationals. The team will be led by Edinburgh outside-half Duncan Hodge, newly recovered from a thumb fracture.

Scotland A: S Moffat (Glasgow), S Webster (Edinburgh), J McLaren (Begles-Bordeaux), A Henderson (Glasgow), C Joiner (Edinburgh), D Hodge (Edinburgh, capt), G Beveridge (Glasgow), A Jacobsen (Edinburgh), R Russell (Saracens), C Smith (Edinburgh), I Fullarton (Sale Sharks), A Rennick (Borders), A Wilson (Glasgow), J Petrie (Glasgow) J White (Glasgow).

Replacements: D Hall (Edinburgh), D Hilton (Glasgow), N Ross (Glasgow), A Hall (Glasgow), I Fairley (Borders), C Howarth (Glasgow), D Lee (Edinburgh).