ENGLAND lock Simon Shaw has been ruled out of Saturday’s Calcutta Cup showdown against Scotland with a shoulder injury.

Shaw, 36, had been doubtful ever since damaging his joint in the opening minutes of England’s defeat to Ireland at Twickenham on February 27.

England manager Martin Johnson confirmed yesterday afternoon that the Wasps forward would not be available to play and that Stade Francais lock Tom Palmer has been called into the squad.

Johnson has called up five reinforcements ahead of the trip to Murrayfield, including Mike Tindall who returns to the senior squad after overcoming a hamstring injury.

Tindall has replaced Leicester centre Dan Hipkiss, who is still struggling with an ankle problem.

Delon Armitage is progressing well after injuring his ribs against Ireland but Johnson has called up Gloucester full-back Olly Morgan as cover.

Leeds flanker Hendre Fourie has received his first senior call-up after Wasps number eight Dan Ward- Smith suffered knee ligament damage at the weekend.

Northampton fly-half Shane Geraghty has returned to the fold as precautionary cover for Toby Flood, who received a knock to the head playing for Leicester against London Irish on Saturday.

Flood’s condition is being reviewed by medics.

Johnson will today name his team to play Scotland but Shaw’s absence opens the door for Louis Deacon to return alongside captain Steve Borthwick in the second row.

Palmer has not played for England since the defeat to South Africa at Twickenham in 2008 but could be pushing hard for a place on the bench.