Sir Ian McGeechan says British and Irish Lions will be hindered against Australia by unfair fixture scheduling On the eve of departure four years ago, McGeechan had to contend with a Heineken Cup final between Leicester and Leinster which deprived him of seven players. Gatland could be without half his squad which means that he will struggle to select a starting XV that have trained together for the opening match of the tour. "We should be looking to do all we can to help the Lions and in this regard we haven't," said McGeechan, coach of the last successful Lions party in South Africa in 1997. What has surprised everyone is that the whole notion of the Lions has actually got bigger in the professional era when everyone thought it would struggle. There is an excitement and magic there that supporters have latched on to, players also. Gatland names his 37-man party on April 30, two days after the Heineken Cup semi-finals. McGeechan believes the recent return to fitness of Ireland lock Paul O'Connell may cause Gatland to revise his thinking on the make-up of the squad, perhaps even of captaincy. "There is a dilemma there now," said McGeechan, who chose O'Connell to lead the Lions in 2009. Warren will know what he wants but Paul's availability has possibly thrown a spanner in the works. A Lions captain has to be more than a national captain. He has to have a real feel for what the Lions is all about. Paul's performance against Harlequins in the Heineken Cup was a real statement from him. It showed that he has got the energy, the attitude and that he wants to be involved. McGeechan is also critical of the Australians for deciding to mothball their test players by withdrawing them from the provincial matches. "That does disappoint me," said McGeechan, who signed off with a backing for Gatland's squad to return with a series victory. The Lions have great quality and I believe they will win. Sir Ian McGeechan was talking on behalf of Land Rover, for your chance to Lead the Lions in Australia visit landrover.co.uk/rugbyprizedraw