Matt Scott is primed to make a long-awaited GUINNESS PRO12 comeback on Sunday and the Edinburgh centre admits he is itching to get out there.

Edinburgh welcome Cardiff Blues to BT Murrayfield after their three-game winning run in all competitions came to an end at Leinster last time out in the league.

They have won twice in the GUINNESS PRO12 this season – against Munster and Newport Gwent Dragons – and lost only once to a Welsh region in their last five home encounters.

Alan Solomons is hoping to add Cardiff to their list of scalps and he will be able to call on Scotland international Scott, who has spent six months out following shoulder surgery, from the bench.

Elsewhere winger Tom Brown shakes off an injury of his own to return to the starting XV along with lock Ollie Atkins and captain Mike Coman.

Roddy Grant and Sam Beard are also available to start as Edinburgh’s significant injury woes slowly begin to subside.

In total there are seven changes to the side that started against Leinster at the RDS last time out and Scott is eager to ensure the club gets back to winning ways.

“I'm delighted to be named in the squad,” he said. “It's been a long six months and I've found it tough to sit on the sidelines.

“Rehab has gone really well and I'm happy that both my shoulders are in good enough condition to come back and play. It's taken a lot of hard work, especially from the physio team.”

Meanwhile, the Blues have thrown full-back Gareth Anscombe straight into their line-up after the 23-year-old arrived from New Zealand earlier this month.

The former Super Rugby star is one of five changes to the team that started against Munster last time out in the GUINNESS PRO12, with Dan Fish one of those – named on the left wing.

Macauley Cook comes in to partner Jarrad Hoeata in the second row while Ellis Jenkins is rewarded for his outstanding form in the LV= Cup with the No.7 jersey.

Kristian Dacey is named in the starting line-up at hooker, with Matthew Rees ruled out with injury, and Adam Jones will captain the region for the very first time.

Director of rugby Mark Hammett said: “We've enjoyed a good period of results in both cup competitions and now look forward to the resumption of the Guinness PRO12 for a crucial period of fixtures up until Christmas.

“We're well aware of the challenge we face up in Scotland against Edinburgh. They're well coached by South African head coach Alan Solomons and, from what I've seen of them, they have a strong territorial game and if you get that right it is hard to stop.

“We're keen to get Gareth (Anscombe) involved and so he will start the game at full-back. A number of other players will be keen to step up, continue the good form of recent weeks and impress while others are away during the autumn international window.”

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At BT Murrayfield, 4pm.
Live on BBC Alba and S4C
Referee: Leo Colgan (IRU, 16th competition game)
Assistant Referees: David Changleng, Stephen Hart (both SRU)
Citing Commissioner: Rob Flockhart (SRU)
TMO: Iain Ramage (SRU)