GUTTED Alloa native Grant Gilchrist has been robbed of the chance to captain his country at Murrayfield for the first time after an injury, sustained for his club side last weekend, ruled him out of the Autumn tests.

The 24-year-old fractured his forearm in his club’s 25-17 win over Lyon in the European Challenge Cup at BT Murrayfield last Friday, four days after being named as national team captain.

Gilchrist will undergo surgery this week, following which timelines for rehabilitation will be determined.

The injury comes as a huge blow to Scotland head coach Vern Cotter who expressed his disappointment for the Edinburgh Rugby lock after he was been ruled out of the viagogo Autumn Tests.

Cotter said: “Clearly this is really disappointing news for Grant, who’s been a fine player and leader for his club this season; and was set to continue that role for Scotland this Autumn.

“Despite being unable to play, he will still join and be part of the squad in camp, and feature heavily in our preparations for the viagogo Autumn Tests.” Therefore, flying the flag solo for Clackmannanshire, will be Glasgow Warrior’s star Adam Ashe who retains his place in the squad after impressing on his debut during the summer tour against South Africa.

The 21-year-old is a former star of Hillfoots RFC and also played for Stirling County.