Ireland duo Garry Ringrose and Devin Toner ruled out of Scotland game

Image: Garry Ringrose suffered a hamstring injury against England

Garry Ringrose and Devin Toner have been ruled out of Ireland's Six Nations trip to Scotland on Saturday due to injury.

Influential centre Ringrose has picked up a hamstring complaint while Leinster team-mate Toner aggravated an existing ankle problem during Saturday's 32-20 Dublin defeat by England.

Wing Keith Earls appears to have proved his fitness after a hip concern by training on Tuesday, but Ireland must now face the Scots without three key operators, with CJ Stander already missing due to facial fractures.

The absence of lineout specialist Toner will prove the biggest miss to boss Schmidt and Ireland.

Image: Devin Toner misses out with an ankle injury

The 32-year-old has only missed six Test matches since Schmidt took the helm in November 2013, with the Kiwi coach drawing heavily on his set-piece acumen.

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Ireland approached this year's Six Nations appearing in a position of strength at lock, but were struck by injuries to Iain Henderson and Tadhg Beirne before the tournament even kicked off.

Ulsterman Henderson's finger problem and Munster star Beirne's knee complaint thinned Ireland's locking stocks and Toner's absence will heavily test Schmidt's squad depth.

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Image: Quinn Roux could replace Toner at lock

Connacht's Quinn Roux looks set to slot into Ireland's second row alongside James Ryan, with Ultan Dillane poised to take a seat on the bench.

Munster lock Billy Holland has also been added to Ireland's squad this week as further cover.

Ringrose's absence will tempt Schmidt into shifting Robbie Henshaw back into the centres, after the Leinster star struggled with his move to full-back in last weekend's England loss.

Munster's Chris Farrell and Ulster's Will Addison are further midfield options for Schmidt, while Rob Kearney could return at full-back.

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