Taylor is a huge loss to Scotland

The Scotland number eight was taken off during Saturday's defeat by Ireland.

He was successfully operated on on Sunday night, but now faces a long period of rehabilitation.

"Simon is now looking ahead to the hard work that faces him on his recovery to full fitness," said Scotland doctor James Robson.

It is the second serious injury Taylor has sustained, after being forced to return home just one game into the British Lions' tour to Australia in 2001, also with a knee injury.

The 24-year-old would be a candidate for next year's Lions tour to New Zealand providing he makes a successful return to action.

Simon is fine and was his usual laconic self Edinburgh coach Frank Hadden

Taylor will miss Edinburgh's Heineken Cup quarter-final against Toulouse on 10 April, as well as Scotland's summer Tests against Australia and Samoa.

He is also set to miss the early months of next season.

"This is the type of injury, similar to Andrew Mower's ahead of the World Cup, that has happened to a number of players including Nathan Hines and Marcus Di Rollo," added Robson.

"We are pleased that Simon underwent surgery so quickly after the injury took place and we are feeling very positive about the prognosis."

Edinburgh coach Frank Hadden insists his team can adapt without Taylor as they prepare to face Toulouse in a fortnight.

"It is a massive disappointment for all of us and Simon," he said. "He is a very important player, although he has only played seven times times for Edinburgh this season.

"Simon is someone you always want available for the big games but the fact he has played so few games for Edinburgh means we should be reasonably well covered.