Rugby World Cup 2015: John Barclay a doubt - Morrison

John Barclay made his first Scotland start since 2013 against Italy on Saturday

Former Scotland international Iain Morrison reckons flanker John Barclay will not be picked for the World Cup.

Head coach Vern Cotter names his 31-man squad on Tuesday and Morrison believes leaving Barclay out could be a mistake.

"There are four open-side flankers in the group and the most he is going to take is two," said Morrison.

"You suspect Blair Cowan is probably going to go as he played throughout the Six Nations, and John Hardie has come in from New Zealand and looked good."

Barclay scored in Scotland's 48-7 demolition of Italy at the weekend in his first start for the national side in nearly two years.

Scotland kick off their World Cup tournament in England against Japan on 23 September, before subsequent matches against the United States, South Africa and Samoa.

"If you look at the forward pack and the back row especially there is very little experience there," Morrison told BBC Radio Scotland.

"Barclay has played in not one, but two World Cups. It might be a mistake [not to pick Barclay]."

Ian Morrison won 15 caps for Scotland

Morrison won 15 caps for Scotland in the back row and is now a rugby journalist.

He added that centre Alex Dunbar is unlikely to be included having been out for six months with a serious knee injury.

"He's such an important player for Scotland, world class," said Morrison. "But it looks like he won't make the cut. It's a shame but the only thing worse than missing the World Cup is playing in the World Cup and getting injured again because you were rushed back.

"And if Scotland last long enough in the tournament then Dunbar could come in if somebody gets injured."