GIVE FINN THE LIONS' SHARE

Geech backs Scot for big role on tour

- ALAN MARSHALL

SIRIAN McGEECHAN has backed Finn Russell to start for the British and Irish Lions against South Africa this summer – and become an even better player because of the experience.

Lions head coach Warren Gatland will announce his touring squad next week and a debate is raging over the make-up of the starting XV for the first Test on July 24.

The pivotal stand-off position is one that divides opinion, with the Six Nations form of Ireland veteran Johnny Sexton and Wales’ Dan Biggar – on top of Owen Farrell’s previous Lions performances – casting doubt on Russell’s claim for a place.

But Lions and Scotland legend McGeechan, who steered the home nations’ select side to a famous series win over the Springboks in 1997, is in no doubt that Russell should get the nod at No.10.