Martin Johnson believes the Six Nations Championship at Murrayfield on Saturday is the perfect arena for Ireland's right wing Geordan Murphy to showcase his talents.

The Lions, England and Leicester captain extolled the virtues of his club-mate. "When you watch Geordan week-in week-out there's really no limit to the things he can do. Not only is he incredibly quick and incisive, but he's a great all-round player. He doesn't get exposed defensively, he's excellent at taking the high ball and he's not a fancy dan."

Johnson is aware that he could face Murphy when England travel to Lansdowne Road on Saturday, October 20th and expects the young Irishman to enjoy a significant bearing on proceedings.

"It's a pity from England's point of view with the outstanding Six Nations game coming up that Ireland are really starting to take notice of him and I'm sure when he gets his chance he'll really show the world what he can do."

Meanwhile Scotland coach Ian McGeechan will announce the team to play Ireland at Murrayfield on Saturday later today. The Scots have been dogged by injury in the build-up, losing first choice place-kicker Kenny Logan, New Zealand-born flanker Martin Leslie and centre Cammie Murray.

The latter was ruled out after suffering an injury in training and is replaced by 21-year-old Andrew Henderson. Logan's absence means that McGeechan will have to find a replacement place-kicker.

Edinburgh outhalf Duncan Hodge had been the kicker in the recent past, but with the coach believed to favour Gregor Townsend at number 10, Scotland could be forced into a rethink. It may see full back Chris Paterson handed the kicking duties.

Glenn Metcalfe may be restored to full back with Paterson moving to the left wing. It now appears likely that Gordon Simpson will join Budge Pountney and Simon Taylor in the Scottish back row in the absence of Martin Leslie.