Simon Taylor, the 25-year-old Scotland and British & Irish Lions

ck-row forward, is on the verge of making his long-awaited comeback

from injury under unusual circumstances.

Taylor is being loaned by the SRU to Zurich Premiership side Saracens

for one week only, in order to give him some precious time on the field.

The 35 times capped Taylor - who has suffered a cruel run of injuries

since he first damaged his knee on the 2001 Lions tour to Australia -

damaged his knee against Ireland in last year's Six Nations Championship.

He underwent surgery and has worked diligently on his rehab programme

and is now ready to resume playing.

SRU Director of Rugby Ian McGeechan said: "Firstly we're delighted

that Simon is ready to return to match action and alongside the

national management team we are keen to see him back in contention for

Scotland duty as soon as possible.

"Obviously if Edinburgh Rugby had had any fixture either this weekend

or next then that would have given him the opportunity to get matches

under his belt. But, as there are no Celtic League fixtures over the

next fortnight and, as professional players cannot play for clubs in

the BT Premiership, we have looked further afield and have agreed a

temporary loan with Saracens."

The loan is for one week from tomorrow (Thursday 3 February) and will

mean that Taylor has a chance of playing in Saracens' away fixture

against Northampton Saints on Saturday (5 February) and in a friendly

against South African Super 12 side The Cats on Wednesday 9 February.

Taylor said: "I'm very excited just to be playing again in quite

strange circumstances. I'm ready to go but I'd caution against

expecting miracles."

Saracens Director of Rugby Steve Diamond said: "We are delighted to be

able to offer Simon his introduction back to top-class rugby after his

unfortunate injury. We wish him all the best and hope he can be ready

to return to the international arena soon."