Scotland include Hogg in 35-man squad

Scotland coach Matt Williams has included Allister Hogg in a 35-man squad for training ahead of Saturday's Six Nations opener against France in Paris.

The Edinburgh No.8 is reported to have recovered sufficiently from a knee injury sustained earlier this month to be included in the squad - but he is yet to be given the all-clear from the medics.

"The physios Start Barton and Stephen Mutch have worked very hard with me and put me through a gruelling rehab programme," said Hogg.

"It seems to be paying off and I'm looking forward to challenging for a place."

Hogg's return is timely - Scotland have been hit with injury concerns in the back row with Donnie Macfadyen, Simon Taylor, Scott Gray, Scott MacLeod, Andrew Wilson and Alan MacDonald all among the long-term casualties.

We originally thought Ally would be ruled out of at least the first couple of matches of the tournament but he has been working intensively with the physios and we've been delighted with his progress, said Williams.

Borders hooker Ross Ford has been released from the squad for Scotland Under 21 duties.

Scotland squad:

Backs: Graeme Beveridge (Glasgow Rugby), Mike Blair (Edinburgh Rugby), Andy Craig (Glasgow Rugby), Chris Cusiter (The Borders), Simon Danielli (The Borders), Marcus Di Rollo (Edinburgh Rugby), Ben Hinshelwood (Worcester), Andy Henderson (Glasgow Rugby), Calvin Howarth (Glasgow Rugby), Rory Lamont (Glasgow Rugby), Sean Lamont (Glasgow Rugby), Dan Parks (Glasgow Rugby), Chris Paterson (Edinburgh Rugby), Gordon Ross (Leeds Tykes), Hugo Southwell (Edinburgh Rugby), Simon Webster (Edinburgh Rugby).

Forwards: Ross Beattie (Northampton), Gordon Bulloch (Glasgow Rugby, captain), David Callam (Edinburgh Rugby), Bruce Douglas (The Borders), Jon Dunbar (Leeds Tykes), Iain Fullarton (Saracens), Stuart Grimes (Newcastle Falcons), Craig Hamilton (Newcastle Falcons), Nathan Hines (Edinburgh Rugby), Allister Hogg (Edinburgh Rugby), Allan Jacobsen (Edinburgh Rugby), Gavin Kerr (Leeds Tykes), Scott Lawson (Glasgow Rugby), Nick Lloyd (Saracens), Scott Murray (Edinburgh Rugby), Jon Petrie (Glasgow Rugby), Rob Russell (London Irish), Tom Smith (Northampton Saints), Jason White (Sale Sharks).