A number of players took only a limited part in Scotland squad training today as preparations were stepped up for Saturday’s RBS 6 Nations Championship match against Ireland in Dublin. Among them half-backs Mike Blair (dead leg) and Greig Laidlaw (concussion) are both making good progress from the injuries they sustained against France last month as is flanker John Barclay (dead leg).  Glasgow Warriors prop Ed Kalman (stitches above his eye) and hooker Dougie Hall (shoulder bruising) are recovering from injuries sustained in their RaboDirect PRO12 match against the Ospreys on Friday, while No 8 Richie Vernon requires treatment for a shoulder injury he sustained in Sale Sharks’ match at Exeter on Saturday. Two other players in the squad, front-row forwards Ross Ford and Euan Murray, will do their own training today as opposed to involvement in the team session. The 22 who were on duty for the French international are joined for training this afternoon by Robert Harley, Ruaridh Jackson and Jon Welsh (all Glasgow Warriors) and Matt Scott (Edinburgh Rugby) and Murray (Newcastle Falcons). In addition, Stuart McInally (Edinburgh Rugby) is also with the squad though will rest this afternoon as he has a hamstring injury.