Six Nations 2014: Chris Fusaro reveals his aggression makes up for his lack of size as he readies himself for Scotland's clash against England

Fusaro has replaced captain Kelly Brown in the Scotland back-row and admits that it's brains not brawn that will help him succeed

Chris Fusaro has replaced Kelly Brown in the Scotland line-up for the Calcutta Cup match against England (GETTY IMAGES)

Scotland debutant Chris Fusaro insists it is brains and not brawn the Dark Blues need to take down England on Saturday.

The Glasgow flanker stands just 5ft 11ins tall - five inches shorter than the man he will replace at number seven, skipper Kelly Brown.

The Saracens man has been dropped after a poor display in the Scots' 28-6 defeat to Ireland in their opening RBS 6 Nations fixture in Dublin.

They now welcome the Auld Enemy to Murrayfield but Fusaro insists it is intelligence and not muscle that will be the decisive factor.

Fusaro - who will win his first cap at the age of 24 - told Press Association Sport: "My size used to give me a bit of concern when I was younger, just given the position I play.

"But having played for Glasgow the last few years, I've learned to use my aggression to make up for my lack of size. I need to do that because I'm not as heavy as some of the guys I'm up against.

"Against England though, it can't all be about physicality, you have to use your brains. We had a team talk on the pitch at training and Greig (Laidlaw) made it clear to us that the top two inches were the most important.

"Playing smart with controlled aggression and physicality is all important against England but I think that's the type of player I am."

Head coach Scott Johnson admitted dropping Brown was one of the hardest decisions of his coaching career but admitted he had to go for Fusaro's handling skills in the end.

The Australian said: "It was certainly one of the hardest decisions I've ever had to make as Scotland head coach, because there is a human side to this job.

"We are in the people's business and if you don't care for people you shouldn't be in it. I care for him and it was a tough decision.

"He's a guy I admire but it was the right decision. Using my vernacular, Chris is a ground feeder. He's low to the ground and plays below a lot of people.

"The ball will be on the ground a bit and he reminds me of the type of player back home.

"His regional form has been good. I've asked him to change some things and to improve some things in his game and has done that, so he deserves his run out."

PA