Scotland upbeat on Brown fitness

The powerful Brown is a key player for Scotland

Scotland are optimistic that back row Kelly Brown will be fit to face Italy at Murrayfield on Saturday.

Brown suffered concussion during Sunday’s 22-16 loss to England after a collision with Matt Banahan.

But defence coach Graham Steadman said: “The early signs are very positive for Kelly figuring against Italy.

“Fingers crossed, because I think it would be great for Kelly Brown to be a part of it having been one of our most consistent performers.”

Brown, who was carried off on a stretcher at Twickenham, has started all four of this season’s Six Nations matches.

Andy Robinson’s side have yet to win and will finish last in the standings for the first time since 2007 if they fail to beat the Italians in Edinburgh.

Skipper Al Kellock is expected to overcome a foot injury in time to lead the team out and is determined to end a disappointing campaign on a high note.

“It’s a massive game for us, we know that,” said the Glasgow Warriors lock.

“We’ve got to take positives from the England game and use the momentum we’ve got – even though we were beaten – to push for a top performance that it will take to beat the Italians, especially on the back of the win they’ve just had.”

A late Max Evans try brought Scotland within a converted score of England at Twickenham and Kellock has taken heart from what was a gutsy display.

Italy can boast a good recent record against Scotland

“We had a real chance of winning that game; everybody realises how special it would’ve been had we won that game,” he added.

“We’ve got to look at the things we did well, take them on board and push to get a performance this week.

“Over the last few games our lineout has gone well and it didn’t function anywhere near where it needed to. We’ve got a lot to work on.”

Italy have beaten Scotland in the Six Nations on five occasions, including at Murrayfield in 2007.

In the last three years Scotland have finished one place above Italy and last year did so only after beating Ireland on the final weekend of the tournament.

Kellock does not think Italy are a different proposition this weekend, despite Saturday’s thrilling win over France, last year’s Grand Slam winners.

“It’s been very tight throughout the whole championship,” explained Kellock. “The only game that’s gone awry is the England-Italy game and I think that says more about how good England were.

“Although it was a surprise you could see it France’s win over Italy coming.

“Their defence was very, very good. The turnovers they got from France and the territory they got because of that meant that they could go on and win the game.

“They were forcing France to do things they wouldn’t normally do.

“The Italians are very good and renowned for trying to stop teams playing.

“We’ve got to go out there, we’ve got to control the ball, our set-piece has to be a lot better and play in the right areas, hopefully scoring some tries.”