Scotland centre Andy Henderson’s chances of pushing for Lions selection have been dealt a severe blow after he was ruled out of the forthcoming Six Nations.
The 28-year-old had been expected to play an important role in his country’s Six Nations campaign but will now have little time to persuade Lions coach Ian McGeechan that he is worth a place on this summer’s tour to South Africa.
Henderson, who scored on his international debut against Ireland back in 2001, broke his thumb during Glasgow’s historic win over Toulouse at the Stade Ernest Wallon last weekend.
The celebrations that followed his club side’s stunning 33-26 victory were tempered by the fact that Henderson will be out of action for two months and will therefore miss all five of Scotland’s internationals in February and March.
Scotland coach Frank Hadden, who announced a 33-man Six Nations squad yesterday, has yet to name a replacement for Henderson.