Scotland hooker Ross Ford has been called into the British and Irish Lions squad for the tour to South Africa as a replacement for the injured Jerry Flannery.

Ireland and Munster star Flannery tore elbow ligaments in training on Wednesday and was due to undergo surgery on Friday that rules him out of the trip.

Edinburgh forward Ford, 25, was close to making the original squad and Lions head coach Ian McGeechan expects him to make a good impression on the tour.

"Ross is a terrific player and he will naturally slot straight in as hooker. I look forward to welcoming him into camp," McGeechan said.

Flannery's injury is a blow to the Lions after he played a key role in Ireland's recent Six Nations success.

"Jerry has had a terrific season and he anchored the Irish scrum during Ireland's Six Nations Grand Slam season. It is disappointing that after selection for the Lions his season should end with a pre-tour injury," McGeechan added.

"Injuries are a part of the game and while very distressing for the affected player we as a squad have to accept them as a fact of life. It is a part of the game we play. We are focussed on moving forward, concentrating on the task at hand and the first match."

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