Jackson has been capped at A level by Scotland

Uncapped duo Geoff Cross and Ruaridh Jackson are included in Scotland's 33-man squad for the Six Nations opener against Wales on 8 February.

Edinburgh prop Cross, 26, was on the summer tour of Argentina, while fly-half Jackson, 20, is highly thought of at Glasgow.

Jackson was only promoted to the pro ranks at Firhill in May and played for Scotland A against Georgia in November.

There is no place for Scarlets lock Scott MacLeod.

A doping charge against the 29-year-old was dropped in November but he has not played since his initial suspension in October.

Jason White is included, with the Sale flanker expected to recover from hand surgery in time.

Edinburgh scrum-half Mike Blair continues to lead the side, with Chris Cusiter and Rory Lawson, currently out of favour at Gloucester, providing back up for the number nine jersey.

The surprise inclusion of Jackson, who has made just one start for Glasgow, will increase competition for Phil Godman and Dan Parks, who have shared the fly-half duties in recent seasons.

However, head coach Frank Hadden is unlikely to pitch the youngster in at the deep end.

"Ruaridh is a young man with a lot of potential," Hadden told BBC Sport. "I'd have like him to have played a bit more over the last couple of years to give us an opportunity to see what he's like.

"But we think he merits a place in this squad.

"We don't see him as a genuine contender for the stand-off berth against Wales but it's important to get him involved at this level as soon as possible."

The squad will meet on Monday for a three-day training camp.

"I'm delighted by the number of players who are putting up their hands as genuine candidates for international selection," added Hadden, who takes heart from Heineken Cup wins for Glasgow and Edinburgh against Toulouse and Castres.

"The victories of both pro-teams last weekend and the manner in which they achieved their results is very encouraging.

"Momentum is vital in such a short round of matches so we know the importance of starting well and getting a big Scottish crowd behind us.

"Wales are the current Grand Slam champions. Their regional format is working efficiently and paying dividends.

"They are a settled, star-studded side and they proved with their win against Australia during the autumn Tests that they are currently one of the best sides in the world."

Based on Scottish Rugby's five-year plan launched in 2007, Hadden will be expected to deliver at least two victories in what will be his fourth Six Nations.

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And matching that target would go a long way to securing his position through to the 2011 World Cup.

Scotland managed just one win last year, battling to Calcutta Cup success against England at a rain-lashed Murrayfield.

However, Hadden's men narrowly avoided a repeat of 2007's Wooden Spoon - which went to Italy on points difference.

Scotland's last triumph in the tournament came in 1999, the final season of the old five-country format.

The most recent outing for Hadden's men was a convincing friendly win over Canada in November, which followed a narrow defeat to South Africa and heavy loss to a second string New Zealand.

Following the visit of Wales, Scotland are also at home Italy and Ireland this season, with the Murrayfield clash against the Irish already sold out.

Scotland squad:

Backs: Chris Paterson, Hugo Southwell (both Edinburgh), Simon Danielli (Ulster), Thom Evans (Glasgow), Sean Lamont (Northampton), Simon Webster (Edinburgh), Ben Cairns, Nick De Luca (both Edinburgh), Max Evans (Glasgow), Graeme Morrison (Glasgow), Phil Godman (Edinburgh), Ruaridh Jackson, Dan Parks (both Glasgow), Mike Blair (capt), Chris Cusiter (Perpignan), Rory Lawson (Gloucester).

Forwards: Geoff Cross (Edinburgh), Alasdair Dickinson (Gloucester), Allan Jacobsen (Edinburgh), Euan Murray (Northampton), Ross Ford (Edinburgh), Dougie Hall (Glasgow), Craig Hamilton, Jim Hamilton (both Edinburgh), Nathan Hines (Perpignan), Alastair Kellock (Glasgow), John Barclay, Kelly Brown (both Glasgow), Scott Gray (Northampton), Allister Hogg (Edinburgh), Alasdair Strokosch (Gloucester), Simon Taylor (Stade Francais), Jason White (Sale Sharks).

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