Morrison: Exciting first match

Andy Robinson's men play host to the English at what will be a packed Murrayfield for the clash on Saturday, February 4.

And, after joining up with the rest of the squad at St Andrews earlier on Monday to kick off their preparations, Morrison says Scotland are fully focused on the highly-anticipated opener.

He said: "You really want to start well to put yourself in a good position and you can't look much further from the first game.

"Certainly to play England at a full Murrayfield is an exciting thing to aspire to do.

"It's exciting times and something I'm very much looking forward to."

The Glasgow Warriors centre hopes he has done enough to earn himself a start, adding: "That's what I am always looking for.

"Every time Scotland play I want to play and it just depends on whether or not I've done enough to merit that in Andy Robinson's eyes and I'm sure we'll find out in the next few days."

Morrison says the spirit within the camp is positive ahead of the campaign getting under way, especially after Edinburgh's success in qualifying for the Heineken Cup quarter-finals.

He said: "It's a good feeling, we've not been together as a squad since the World Cup but we all went back and did a lot of hard work at our pro teams and had a good run of games, especially with Glasgow and Edinburgh doing well going into this.

"Certainly, Edinburgh winning the group in the Heineken Cup yesterday was great to watch and I'm sure those guys are on top of the world at the moment.

"Although Glasgow didn't qualify we finished second in our group which was a fairly positive thing and we're looking forward to continuing to try and improve on our league position."

Thirty-five players in contention for selection reported to the Scotland camp today.

Kelly Brown, the 49-times-capped Saracens flanker, remains in London under the treatment of his club's medical team after he sustained a leg injury in Heineken Cup action against Benetton Treviso.

Scotland team doctor James Robson said: "We are liaising closely with the Saracens medics and we await the outcome of two scans that Kelly has undergone today.

"At this juncture Kelly remains part of our Six Nations squad."

In addition to Brown, four other forwards were subject to medical attention - props Alasdair Dickinson (shoulder) and Ed Kalman (calf), lock Alastair Kellock (respiratory tract infection) and back-row forward David Denton (hamstring).

Among the backs, stand-off Ruaridh Jackson continues with his hamstring rehabilitation, centre Nick De Luca is following post-head injury protocol, fellow centre Joe Ansbro continues his rehabilitation after his recent back problems and full-back/wing Rory Lamont is being treated for deep bruising to his lower leg.

Scotland head coach Robinson said: "It's great to be back in camp and there's a real buzz among the players as we look forward to the England game."