Scotland received a major blow to their Five Nations preparations yesterday when captain Bryan Redpath was forced to concede defeat in his battle to be fit for Saturday's opening game against Wales at Murrayfield.
The scrum-half became the fourth first-choice player to be declared unavailable following the earlier omissions of Gordon Simpson, Matthew Proudfoot and Jamie Mayer.
Redpath's misfortune means Newcastle's Gary Armstrong will take over the number nine jersey and lead the side, the same role he filled throughout last season's Five Nations campaign.
The uncapped Iain Fairley, Redpath's understudy with the Edinburgh Reivers, is promoted to the senior bench.
Scotland manager Arthur Hastie said: "In many ways we can now add bits to our game because Gary can play in two or three different styles. We're trying to play the game wide so that means we need a scrum-half who can pass well. Since Gary became a professional his passing has improved out of all recognition."
Scotland will announce their final line-up tomorrow afternoon, with the main decisions hinging on the best back-row formula and whether Alan Tait or Gregor Townsend should partner John Leslie at centre.
