MacDonald set for start against Scarlets

IN-FORM flanker Alan MacDonald is set for a quick return to Edinburgh Rugby after injury provided he comes through a late fitness ahead of Friday's Celtic League clash with unbeaten Scarlets at Murrayfield.

MacDonald, who has had a hip problem, is one of two changes from the side beaten 52-6 at champions Leinster last week. He replaces Scott Newlands who drops to the bench where a place is found for returning international second row, Jim Hamilton.

Also called up is last season's top try-scorer Andy Turnbull whose inclusion on the wing means a switch to full-back for Chris Paterson with Hugo Southwell reverting to his one-time Test berth of centre.

Coach Andy Robinson insists there is no cause for alarm despite Edinburgh failing to win either of their opening two matches.

"We have probably just dropped our performance a bit which has allowed teams to play a bit."

Adamant there was "no cause for doom and gloom" Robinson said the switch involving Southwell was a case of needs must.

"Andy Easson hasn't played enough and (Calum) MacRae, (John) Houston and (Ben Cairns) are still out injured" said Robinson in calling for an 80 minute effort to avoid key errors being punished as has happened in both outings so far.

"We have been disappointed with the results, but we understand what we need to do.

"Last season we won a handful of games by really small margins when we managed to perform to the best of our abilities.

"So we realise we have to be at our very best in order to win and eradicate the error-count that has crept into our performances over recent weeks.

"We need to be able to perform for 80 minutes against Scarlets, who will provide a tough challenge," said Robinson in singling out No 8 David Lyons as a major threat.

Teams - Edinburgh: Paterson, A Turnbull, Southwell, De Luca, Robertson, Godman, M Blair, captain, Jacobsen, Ford, G Cross, C Hamilton, Gissing, Mustchin, Hogg, MacDonald. Subs – Kelly, Kerr, J Hamilton, Newlands, Meyer, D Blair, Thompson. Scarlets: Stoddart, M Jones, Higgitt, Davies, Brew, S Jones, captain, Martens, I Thomas, Owens, Meeuws, Cooper, MacLeod, Turnbull, Lyons, G Thomas. Subs. – John, Rees, Reed, N Thomas, Robertson, C Thomas, King.