Edinburgh coach Richard Cockerill has confirmed Vodacom Bulls lock Andries Ferreira is one of the players they are looking to sign on a short-term deal to address an impending shortage of second-row cover.

Cockerill expects to lose first-choice locks Grant Gilchrist and Ben Toolis to Scotland duty as the national team prepare for six Tests in a seven-week period from 23 October to 5 December, including their final Six Nations match with Wales and four Autumn Nations Cup games.

The former England hooker also revealed that another Scotland prospect, Lewis Carmichael, is experiencing ‘some issues with concussion’ while experienced operator Fraser McKenzie will be sidelined for several months with a dislocated shoulder.

Ferreira, 30, has experience of playing in the PRO14 with Italian side Zebre in 2014 and also had a spell with French giants Toulon three years ago.

‘We are a little bit short in the second row,’ Cockerill admitted. ‘My best guess would be in a few weeks’ time we are going to lose two locks to international duty for eight weeks.

‘So we are looking at options there to give us some cover and Ferreira is one of those.’

ALSO READ: Last chance for Lions tour tickets

Photo: BackpagePix