The head coach will name a provisional touring party of around 60 players in January and plans to hold a squad meeting soon after to begin preparations for the trip.

McGeechan will then spend the remainder of the season virtually halving the squad to roughly 35 names, though there will still be an opportunity for players outside the original 60 to force their way into his plans.

Speaking at the official launch of the Heineken Cup at Murrayfield, the Wasps director of rugby said: "If someone's outstanding in the Six Nations and they're not part of that 60, we'll be flexible.

"It's just an indication of the sort of players we feel are in form at that point."

McGeechan wants access to his likely players well in advance of the tour because of the quick turnaround from the end of the domestic season to the Lions' departure.

"When you've got a preparation week before we go away which includes the Heineken Cup final, then we've got to make the most of the time," said the Scot, who masterminded the famous 1997 series win in South Africa.

"What I'm trying to do is be as time effective as I can with the players that are likely to be involved."