Scotland’s most capped player and record points scorer missed last weekend’s Heineken Cup Pool Four victory against Ulster with a viral infection.

Ben Cairns also returns to the back division – resuming his centre partnership with Nick de Luca – while John Houston moves across to the wing.

In the pack, Scott Newlands replaces number eight Allister Hogg, who is rested.

Head coach Rob Moffat said of Paterson’s return at full-back: “Steve Jones played well for us last week, but I felt bringing Chris back in was the right decision.

“Chris has been playing well for us this season. Everybody always goes on about his goal-kicking, but first and foremost he has been playing well – looking really sharp.

“As I’ve said before, this season’s challenge is a 36-man job and it is my responsibility to manage the squad properly.

“Ally has started the first seven games of the season and has contributed well.

“Scott came on last weekend and did well – very few, if any of our players will start every game this season.”

On the injury front, wing Simon Webster is expected to return to competitive action with his club side, Dundee HSFP, in the near future after recovering from an Achilles injury.

Club captain Simon Cross is recovering from a serious knee injury and joins long-term absentees Ross Rennie (knee) and David Callam (hip) in the treatment room.

Scotland lock Jim Hamilton (knee) also remains sidelined.