CHRIS Paterson, capped last season at under-21 level, will be at stand-off for Glasgow Caledonians in their game against Ulster tonight at Ravenhill, in Belfast. writes Alan Lorimer.
The Gala youngster, seconded to the Reds, comes in for Tommy Smith, who injured his hand playing against London Scottish last weekend. Also in the Reds squad is another under-21 player Ian McInroy, who this season has joined West of Scotland from Garnock.
Yesterday Keith Robertson, the Reds coach, enthused about Paterson: ''I watched him play for Scotland under-21s last season and again in the under-21 trial last weekend. I liked what I saw. He has a very good boot, he is a confident player, and he trained well with us.''
Robertson, equally excited about the inclusion of McInroy, said: ''Ian was in the elite squad last season and trained with us. He is a very good centre. He's strong and fast, and I think he has great potential. This will let him have a taste of professional rugby.''
Technically, McInroy comes in for Glenn Metcalfe who has a groin injury and is being rested. Metcalfe's position at full back is taken by erstwhile Scotland No.15 Shepherd, while Chris Simmers is at outside centre.
The third not-contracted player in the Reds squad for Ulster is Chris Docherty. The Hawks player, who travelled with Glasgow-Caledonians for the London Scottish game last weekend, has been drafted into the side because of injuries to all three hookers - Gordon Bulloch, Gavin Scott and Kevin McKenzie.
The good news on the injury front for the Reds is the return of Aaron Collins, the former West of Scotland player who has been troubled with an achilles tendon strain but has made a quicker recovery than initially expected.
Ulster have opted not to give former Currie lock Mark Blair a place in the starting line-up, but he will be among the replacements. The Reds however will face Tony McWhirter who for the last three seasons played for Dundee High School FP.
Robertson is determined that his side improve on their display against London Scottish. ''We have to make sure of our first-up tackles and defend the way we did against West Hartlepool - especially in the second forty minutes when they were unable to score any points,'' said Robertson.
Edinburgh Reivers, who announced their side on Wednesday, have made a late change for their game against Munster in Cork tonight. Flu victim Hugh Gilmour has been forced to withdraw and his place at full back goes to Scott Hastings who played in that position against Richmond at Netherdale. Alastair Common comes onto the bench.
Reivers will be seeking to improve on their performances against both Richmond and Newcastle Falcons. "We want to produce better quality ball for the backs and to try to eliminate losing the ball in contact situations" said Ian Rankin, the Reivers coach.
Ulster: S Mason; J Davis, S McDowell, M McCall, J Cunningham; D Humphreys, A Matchett; J Fitzpatrick, A Clarke, G Leslie, M Rea, G Longwell, D Macartney, T McWhirter, A Ward. Replacements: S Coulter, B Cunningham, S Bell, S Duncan, M Blair, R Irwin, R Weir.
Glasgow Caledonians: R Shepherd; D Stark, C Simmers, I Jardine, A Bulloch; C Paterson, D Patterson; G McIlwham, C Docherty, A Kittle, S Campbell, G Perrett, J White, G Simpson, G Flockhart. Replacements: I McInroy, A Collins, F Stott, S Grimes, T Smith, W Anderson, J Shaw.
Munster: D Crotty; A Horgan, J Kelly, C Mahony, A Thompson; R O'Gara, B O'Meara; D Clohessy, F Sheaman, J Hayes, D O'Callaghan, S Leahy, D Wallace, A Foley, J Murphy. Replacements: M McDermott, P Clohessy, U O'Callaghan, T Tierney, B O'Neill, B Roche.
Edinburgh Reivers: S Hastings; C Murray, A Tait, J Mayer, J Kerr; S Welsh, I Fairley; P Wright, S Brotherstone, M Proudfoot, D Burns, I Fullarton, C Hogg, B Renwick, I Sinclair. Replacements: A Common, C Chalmers, D Hodge, C Black, A Roxburgh, R McNulty, B Stewart, J Hay.
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