Kelly Brown has been recalled to the Scotland side to face France on Saturday in the Six Nations because his teammates "need" him, according to head coach Scott Johnson.

The 31-year-old had been dropped by Johnson after the opening Six Nations defeat by Ireland.

But despite sitting out the dramatic last-gasp win at the Stadio Olimpico - secured by Duncan Weir's drop-goal 10 seconds from time - Brown is now back to lead out the side against Les Bleus at Murrayfield.

Johnson said: "I think Saturday is a game that will really suit Kelly. Unlike other sides in the competition, France play above the ground a bit and there will be a lot of mauling.

"I think the pitch suits Kelly too and I've picked a side that can win the game and that's most important.

"We had a look at the opponents, we had a look at Kelly's form and we had a look at where we thought we could improve the team and in the end we thought it was a good match.

"I asked him to improve on some things and he is certainly well on the way to doing that.

"We thought that this was a game that really fitted him. I think the team really needs him back against France and it's a welcome addition."

Brown's return is one of three changes to the Scot's pack.

Geoff Cross starts at tight-head and Dave Denton comes into the back row.

Ryan Wilson, who has tonsillitis, drops to the bench, while Chris Fusaro and Moray Low drop out of the squad.

France will be without their two first-choice hookers after Dimitri Szarzewski picked up an ankle injury and Benjamin Kayser was ruled out for six weeks last month with a knee problem.