GREGOR TOWNSEND still believes his injury-ravaged Scotland squad can challenge for the Six Nations crown.

The Dark Blues head coach has been forced to name seven uncapped players among the 39-man party that will gather on Sunday.

His options have been hampered by an extensive injury list containing 19 internationals, including former skipper John Barclay, Zander Fagerson and Richie Gray, and Townsend admits he will be down to the bare bones in a number of key positions when they open their championship campaign at home to Italy on February 2.