Jonny Gray and Dave Cherry included in 40-man Scotland squad for Six Nations

Experienced forwards Jonny Gray and Dave Cherry have been included in a 40-man Scotland squad for the Guinness Six Nations.

The France-based pair return to Gregor Townsend’s group for the first time since last year’s championship after playing no part in the summer and autumn campaigns.

There are few surprises in a squad comprising 19 Glasgow players, nine from Edinburgh and 12 Exiles.

Bristol utility back Tom Jordan has been included despite suffering an injury scare in his club’s Champions Cup clash with Bordeaux at the weekend.

The most notable omissions include Andy Onyeama-Christie, Cam Redpath, Alex Samuel and the uncapped Gregor Hiddleston, who had been touted for a call-up after starring in the Champions Cup with Glasgow, although all bar Samuel have been named in the Scotland A squad to face Italy in Rieti on February 6.

“Experience with Dave,” Townsend said, explaining the return of the forwards. “Dave’s been in really good form this year. He played very well last year’s Six Nations.

“He was a bit of a glue player for us around his set-piece and in attack and defence. He missed the summer tour with injury and we decided to look at different options in November.

“On form, Dave probably should have been in the November squad. We feel his experience is really important throughout the Six Nations.

“Jonny hasn’t had that many opportunities (at Bordeaux), but he’s actually in really good form. He’s playing with one of the best clubs in Europe.

“He’s looking fit and sharp, his work-rate is outstanding. Again, someone who played really well last year’s Six Nations. He’s someone that has played well for us and we can rely on him if required during this championship.”

Eyebrows were raised that the uncapped Gregor Hiddleston, Glasgow’s first-choice hooker, was not called up.

“Gregor’s not really been involved with us so far so he’s going to get an opportunity in the A game against Italy,” he said, referring to a second-string match due to take place in Rieti on the eve of Scotland’s Six Nations opener in Rome.

“That’ll be his first game at this level and we’re looking forward to seeing him playing that game. We’ve got a lot of competition there but for now he’s going to get that chance in the A team.”

Scotland’s record try-scorer Duhan van der Merwe has endured a frustrating campaign, including being dropped from the starting XV for the two main autumn Tests against New Zealand and Argentina.

Townsend is hopeful that the injury-hindered 30-year-old will be ready to ignite by the time the championship begins.

“Probably more concerning is that he’s had a few injuries,” Townsend said. “He’s not really had a run of games. I thought his last game was really good against Gloucester.

“He was battling injury in that game too. He’s finding his form and he just needs to get some more games.

“I believe he’s going to be fit this week, which is a boost. He can obviously play well the next couple of weeks before the Six Nations starts.”

Townsend and his experienced team have been the subject of scrutiny after back-to-back fourth-placed finishes in the Six Nations and a poor autumn campaign.

“I don’t really think in those terms,” he said when asked if he felt under extra pressure.

“I think I’m so privileged to be going into another Six Nations. I can’t wait to be working with the players again. When I see the team, I see the players in really good form, it excites me for what’s coming up ahead.

“We’ve got players coming on the back of really good form and good performances in Europe and players coming back from injury that we missed in November.”

Scotland kick off their Six Nations campaign away to Italy on February 7.