Metcalfe is given back his place

Scotland have made seven changes - five in personnel and two positional - from the side that defeated Italy for Saturday's rescheduled Six Nations Championship match with Ireland at Murrayfield.

Glenn Metcalfe, restored to full fitness, comes in at full back with Chris Paterson switching to the left wing. Paterson has won all 13 of his previous caps at fullback.

The inexperienced Jon Steel is named on the right wing for his first Six Nations start while James McLaren will partner John Leslie in the centre.

McLaren wins a recall after being dropped for Scotland's last two games in the Six Nations proper, last season. Gregor Townsend moves from centre to outhalf, a switch many believe restores the former Lion to his best position.

Up front, Jason White will start in the second row for the first time having won his previous caps as a blindside flanker.

There was also an amnesty for New Zealand born flanker Gordon Simpson in the absence of Martin Leslie through injury. Simpson hasn't played for a year since breaking curfew prior to a test match against the USA.

The only non capped player in the squad is 21-year-old Andy Henderson who is named among the replacements.

McGeechan, seeking to maintain a winning record against Ireland that dates back to 1985, was adamant that playing Paterson on the wing did not constitute a gamble.

The player himself was more concerned with eulogising the Ireland backline which he described as "awesome".

"It would be dangerous to single individuals out but you have to admit that Brian O'Driscoll is an incredible player.

He is so elusive with the ball in hand and, together with Geordan Murphy, Ireland have guys who can produce overwhelming moments of skill.

"Ireland have only played two internationals and there has been a desire hanging over their heads since last spring. If anything, they will be even more determined and desperate to do well."

Paterson has no qualms about moving to the wing, pointing out that Metcalfe performed the same task when the two were last reunited in the Scotland team.

McGeechan has decided against starting Roland Reid, a converted back row that now operates very successfully on the wing.

Reid has been called the Scottish "Jonah Lomu", at a tad under 16 and a half stone and 6ft 4in.

The Ireland team trained in a torrential downpour at Boroughmuir's ground, Meggetland yesterday afternoon.

It failed to dampen the spirits as Warren Gatland's charges went through a two-hour session. There were no injuries.

The team will have a light run-out at Meggetland again today and will then head for Murrayfield to familiarise themselves with the stadium.

The place-kickers are expected to practice at Saturday's venue for a couple of hours. Conditions for the match are expected to be a deal better than the driving rain that has assaulted the Scottish capital this week.

Meanwhile, Ireland's Brian O'Driscoll and Keith Wood are two of the five players nominated for the International Board's (IRB) inaugural International Player of the Year award. Two Australians, George Gregan and George Smith and England's Johnny Wilkinson have also been nominated.

The winner will be announced at the awards ceremony in London on November 11th.

The judging panel consists of Gerald Davies (convenor) Paul Ackford, Seβn Fitzpatrick, Simon Poidevin, Hugo Porta, Gareth Rees, Philippe Sella, Fergus Slattery, David Sole and Chester Williams.

They will also present prizes to the International Team of the Year, International Coach of the Year, International Young Player of the Year and International Sevens Team of the Year.

SCOTLAND (v Ireland): G Metcalfe (Glasgow); J Steel (Glasgow), J McLaren (Glasgow), J Leslie (Northampton), C Paterson (Edinburgh); G Townsend (Castres), B Redpath (Sale); T Smith (Northampton), G Bulloch (Glasgow), M Stewart (Northampton), J White (Glasgow), S Murray (Saracens), G Simpson (Glasgow), S Taylor (Edinburgh), B Pountney (Northampton, capt). Substitutes: S Scott (Edinburgh), G Graham (Newcastle), S Grimes (Newcastle), J Petrie (Glasgow), A Nicol (Glasgow), D Hodge (Edinburgh), A Henderson (Glasgow).