Glasgow Warriors lock, Richie Gray, has retained his place in the Scotland under 20 team for Friday tomorrow night's clash against Ireland at McDiarmid Park (kick-off 7:30pm).

Match winning fullback, Robbie McGowan, has also been selected to start against the Irish.

The Stirling County yongster was instrumental in Scotland’s fight-back against Italy – creating a try and kicking two high pressure penalties – and has been repaid with a starting slot at the expense of Peter Horne (West of Scotland) who is on the bench.

First choice centre Robbie Johnston (Leeds University and Leeds Carnegie) returns from injury and rejoins the starting line-up as a straight replacement for Steven Wilson (Stirling County) to face the Irish who, like their senior team, are undefeated and going for the Grand Slam.

Scotland under-20 team manager, John Jeffrey, said: “Robbie [McGowan] came on against Italy and played very well and made a very big difference.

“He came in and put his hand up and deserves his chance – it’s a squad game and we’ve made it clear to the players that playing opportunities are there for the taking.

On the prospect of facing a side that have already seen off French and English opposition Jeffrey added: “Ireland are a very good side, they’re very confident and well coached but we don’t worry too much about the opposition.

“We’ve won two out of three games so there’s a lot of confidence and a lot of belief in the squad – the players thoroughly enjoyed playing in front of the vociferous home crowd at McDiarmid Park and they’re all looking forward to running out in front of them again.”

Scotland under-20 team v Ireland at McDiarmid Park, Perth on Friday 13 February (kick-off 7.30pm)

15 Robbie McGowan (Stirling County)

14 Paul Loudon (Durham University and Edinburgh Academicals) CAPTAIN
13 Ashleah McCulloch+ (Aberdeen Grammar Rugby)
12 Robbie Johnston (Leeds University and Leeds Carnegie)
11 Grant Anderson* (Ayr)

10 Andrew White+ (Glasgow Hawks)
9 Henry Pyrgos (Loughborough University)

1 Gavin Cameron+ (Boroughmuir)
2 Finlay Gilles + (Heriot’s)
3 David Morton (Bridgwater)
4 Nick Campbell+ (Glasgow Hawks)
5 Richie Gray (Glasgow Warriors)
6 Struan Dewar+ (Heriot’s)
7 Chris Fusaro* (Heriot’s)
8 Stuart McInally* (Watsonians)

Replacements
16 Ryan McConnell + (Peebles)
17 Douglas Orr+ (Haddington)
18 James Taylor (Loughborough University and Dundee HSFP)
19 Tom Drennan+ (Edinburgh Academicals)
20 Peter Jericevich* (Glasgow Hawks)
21 Peter Horne* (West of Scotland)
22 Adam McKenzie (Northumbria University)

* = Member of Scottish Rugby's Contracted National Academy
+ = Member of Scottish Rugby's Area Institute Supported National Academy