Paddy Jackson will be Ronan O’Gara’s backup at flyhalf when Ireland face Scotland at Murrayfield, meaning Leinster’s Ian Madigan and Munster’s Ian Keatley will not offered the chance to take advantage of the opening created by Johnny Sexton’s enforced absence through injury.

Ulster centre Luke Marshall has also been called up and will get a chance to make his first Six Nations appearance. Marshall suffered bruising on both thighs while playing for Ulster on Friday against Zebre in the RaboDirect Pro 12, however he will still join the Ireland squad later today at Carton House.

Leisnter’s Devin Toner and Ulster’s Lewis Stevenson come into the squad to cover for the absence of Mike Ross.

Ireland Squad for Six Nations game versus Scotland

Backs: Rob Kearney (Leinster), Robbie Henshaw (Connacht), Fergus McFadden (Leinster), Craig Gilroy (Ulster), Luke Fitzgerald (Leinster), Keith Earls (Munster), Brian O'Driscoll (Leinster), Darren Cave (Ulster), Luke Marshall (Ulster), Ronan O'Gara (Munster), Paddy Jackson (Ulster), Conor Murray (Munster), Eoin Reddan (Leinster)

Forwards: Seán Cronin (Leinster), Rory Best (Ulster), Tom Court (Ulster), David Kilcoyne (Munster), Mike Ross (Leinster), Declan Fitzpatrick (Ulster), Donnacha Ryan (Munster), Donncha O'Callaghan (Munster), Lewis Stevenson (Ulster), Devin Toner (Leinster), Peter O'Mahony (Munster), James Coughlan (Munster), Iain Henderson (Ulster), Seán O'Brien (Leinster), Jamie Heaslip (Leinster), Chris Henry (Ulster).

Image: Paddy Jackson
©INPHO/Billy Stickland