Saracens back-row Kelly Brown has been named as the Scotland captain for their Six Nations opener against England next month.

The 30-year-old, who skippered his country in all three of the autumn internationals, has been praised by interim coach Scott Johnson.

Johnson told reporters: "It was right and proper that the coaches considered captaincy at the same time as we were looking at selection of our squad for the England game. We believe Kelly has the qualities we're looking for to captain Scotland.

"Captaincy is about deed in my book, not Churchillian oratory, and the knowledge and experience that Kelly brings to the Test match arena is good for this team. We are also looking at our leadership group and I'll be naming two vice-captains in the team that we announce on Tuesday."

Brown has made 52 appearances for his country.