Scotland skipper Kellock backing fit-again Beattie to run Ireland ragged at Murrayfield

By Sportsmail Reporter Updated: 05:24 EST, 25 February 2011

Scotland captain Alastair Kellock hopes the returning Johnnie Beattie has the opportunity to run at Ireland in Sunday's Six Nations clash at Murrayfield.

Kellock believes number eight Beattie, who has recovered from shoulder surgery and is set to make his first Scotland appearance since last June's Test series win in Argentina, can have a major impact on the match as Andy Robinson's men seek a first win of the tournament.

Kellock said: 'Johnnie's a terrific player. He can do things in a game that possibly nobody else can.

Fighting fit: Beattie is ready to take his place in the Scotland XV for the first time since last summer

'We will need to get him involved. He'll need to work hard to get his hands on the ball and if he does that I'm sure he'll be a big factor in Sunday's game.'

Beattie was one of seven changes to the team which began the 24-6 loss to Wales and another Glasgow Warrior will also have a big role to play.

Fly-half Ruaridh Jackson will start for Scotland for the first time on Sunday and Kellock is confident his team-mate for club and country has what it takes to control the backline.

Thirsty for a first win: Kellock

Kellock added: 'He'll be confident, he'll know exactly what he's got to do. He'll be well looked after and it will be about just him playing his own game.'

Scotland have conceded tries in the opening minutes of losses to France and Wales.

Kellock added: 'It's important we're spot on with what we're doing in the first 15, 20 minutes, playing in the right places, defending well and continuing to defend well throughout the game.'

Eradicating the errors which have marred recent games is also imperative to deliver a result and the solution, according to Kellock, is to train under pressure.

Kellock added: 'The intensity of training has gone up, we're putting ourselves under pressure on the back pitches, knowing that we'll be under severe pressure on Sunday.'

Ireland have won four of the last five meetings between the teams in Edinburgh - their only loss coming in the 2007 Rugby World Cup warm-up Test - and will be seeking to avenge last year's loss in Dublin as they bade farewell to Croke Park.

Kellock added: 'Their record is good, it speaks for itself, and shows how good a team Ireland are.

'If we're at our best we can win the game, but we need to be right up there.'