Beattie doubtful for Scotland

Editor

Scotland number eight Johnnie Beattie is battling a thigh injury which could rule him out of Saturday's Test against Italy in Pretoria.

Scotland number eight Johnnie Beattie is battling to overcome a thigh injury which could rule him out of Saturday's Test against Italy in Pretoria.

Beattie, who was praised for playing through the pain of a shoulder problem against South Africa last weekend, sat out his side's final training session with his latest injury.

Scotland caretaker coach Scott Johnson said he would give Beattie until the pre-game warm-up to prove his fitness but rated his chances of involvement as “50/50” at this stage.

Should Beattie miss out then Rob Harley would be drafted into the back-row with hooker Steven Lawrie joining the bench.