Former Scotland skipper Gavin Hastings insists scrum-half Mike Blair will rise to the huge physical challenge in South Africa after his late call up to the Lions squad.

The current Scotland skipper has replaced the injured Tomas O?Leary in head coach Ian McGeechan's squad after initially being overlooked.

And Hastings has no doubts the 28-year-old, who has won 58 caps for Scotland, will stand up and be counted against the world champions this summer as he joins fellow Scots Euan Murray and Nathan Hines in the 37-man touring party.

"Mike will certainly not take a step back against South Africa," said Hastings.

"He'll relish the battle and that's what will be needed out there.

"I'm delighted the tartan contingent has gone up. Three's better than two but once you're out there you become a Lion, irrespective of your nationality and the players all have to bond."

Edinburgh boss Andy Robinson has also hailed the decision of McGeechan to call-up Blair.

Robinson said: "It is an honour for Mike to be selected for the Lions and a reward for all the hard work he has put in over the past few seasons.

"Mike has matured into an outstanding leader, for both Edinburgh and Scotland, and he is an intelligent player with a lot to offer the Lions selectors.

"I was fortunate enough to tour with the Lions, both as a player and as a coach, and it is the pinnacle of a player's career.

"I'm confident Mike will flourish as a result of the experience and come back to Edinburgh having benefited from the tour."

Blair joins Scotland team-mates Euan Murray and Nathan Hines in the 37-man squad for the 10-match tour of South Africa and the Edinburgh captain says he is thrilled and honoured to receive the call-up.

Blair said: "I'm really pleased to have been given the opportunity to our with the British and Irish Lions; it is a massive honour.

"The call-up just goes to show how quickly everything can change in rugby and I'm determined to seize my chance and make an impact."