Scotland duo on the mend

Edinburgh - Scotland wing Thom Evans's progress from a second neck operation has "delighted" surgeons, team doctor James Robson said on Friday.

Evans was carried off on a stretcher at the Millennium Stadium last Saturday after a sickening collision with Wales fullback Lee Byrne during Scotland's dramatic 31-24 Six Nations loss.

In a punishing match, fullback Chris Paterson's landmark appearance as the first Scot to play in 100 Tests lasted barely half an hour before he left the field with kidney damage.

As with Evans's injury, it forced him to go to hospital in Cardiff and ruled him out of the remainder of the tournament.

But Robson reported on Friday that Paterson was now fit enough to return home. Scotland coach Andy Robinson, who visited both players in Cardiff on Thursday, said: "It was uplifting to speak to both players and hear first-hand that they're both feeling better.

"Once again, on behalf of the Scotland team, I want to thank our own medical team, the Welsh Rugby Union medical personnel at the Millennium Stadium and all the staff at the University Hospital in Cardiff for the quite magnificent care they have delivered," the former England coach added.

Meanwhile Robson said: "Mossy (Chris Paterson) was discharged from hospital in Cardiff on Tuesday night.

He has rested for a couple of days further in Cardiff and is now well enough to travel home with his wife Claire, which is excellent news.

"Thom, after discussion with his family and the surgeons who performed his initial operation, elected to undergo a second procedure to enhance his recovery," Robson explained.

"This surgery has now taken place. Thom is in good spirits and the surgeons are delighted with his progress.

"Thom has asked me to pass on his heart-felt thanks to the thousands of people who have expressed their support.

"At this stage I would expect that, if Thom's recovery continues in the same vein, he will be able to return home next week."

Evans and Paterson weren't the only Scotland players whose 2010 Six Nations came to an end in Cardiff. Fellow back Rory Lamont suffered a knee injury that has also ruled him out of the team's three remaining matches.

Scotland, fifth in the table after two defeats, continue their Six Nations campaign away to bottom of the table Italy in Rome on February 27.