The midfield duo, who both sustained hamstring injuries in the 28-17 opening win over Italy, have been named in OSullivans starting XV for Saturdays Murrayfield meeting - but the pairs participation remains in doubt.

Brian and Gordon came through their scans, and it looks as if things arent as bad as we originally thought, said OSullivan.

There is no doubting as to how important their fitness is to us. Well just have to wait and see how they progress over the next few days, and then well be in a position to make a decision.

DArcy, who turns 25 on Thursday, has been prone to injuries of late - so much so that Sundays visit to the Stadio Flaminio marked only his sixth start for province and country this season.

Its a setback for Gordon, for sure, added OSullivan.

He was coming back into form after being out with his groin injury, but Im not about to pull the trigger just yet.

The Italian match was just two days ago, so with a six-day turnaround for the Scotland trip you have to give the guys every chance to fully recover. I would be a foolish man to rule them out right now if they can make it.

Ulster centre Kevin Maggs and Leinsters Shane Horgan wait in the wings.

OSullivans only change for the Scotland clash sees Wasps flanker Johnny OConnor recalled for a third outing.

He replaces misfiring Munster openside Denis Leamy, who was outgunned by Mauro Bergamasco, but it seems the coach is just returning to a horses-for-courses selection policy.

I had always had Johnny in mind for Scotland. We need a 'groundhog, and Johnny is exactly that. Denis had a solid game against Italy - but he didnt make the impact he would have liked to, said OSullivan.

Ireland team to play Scotland in the RBS 6 Nations at Murrayfield on Saturday:

G Murphy (Leicester); S Horgan (Leinster), B O'Driscoll (Leinster, capt), G D'Arcy (Leinster), D Hickie (Leinster); R O'Gara (Munster), P Stringer (Munster); R Corrigan (Leinster), S Byrne (Leinster), J Hayes (Munster), M O'Kelly (Leinster), P O'Connell (Munster), S Easterby (Llanelli), J O'Connor (Wasps), A Foley (Munster)

Replacements: F Sheahan (Munster), M Horan (Munster), D O'Callaghan (Munster), E Miller (Leinster), G Easterby (Leinster), D Humphreys (Ulster), G Dempsey (Leinster).