Edinburgh boss Richard Cockerill says Stuart McInally will rise to the occasion if Scotland opt to start him at hooker against Samoa this weekend.
The Scots are facing front row injury crisis, which has gotten worse with news emerging that Ross Ford suffered a pectoral injury in training last week and will be sidelined for four months.
27-year-old McInally only has nine Scotland caps and has faced many injuries of his own which have stalled his progress.
George Turner is the other hooker in the initial 36-man squad named by Scotland coach Gregor Townsend.
“I think [McInally] should play. I think he has been the form hooker in Scotland," Cockerill told the Scotsman.
"He has been really good and has worked hard at his game. On form, he deserves to start for Scotland.
“He is a very good ball carrier, he works very hard in defence, he is a good leader, he has worked hard on his throwing. I just think he has a very complete game. He is a very good set piece player now and his throwing is improving all the time, but he is a very good footballer as well.
“I think he will suit how Scotland want to play.”
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