By Matt Majendie

Sole thinks it's unlikely Paterson will get the call at number 10

Scotland's Chris Paterson must be selected at fly-half to return his country to a global force, according to former national captain David Sole.

The Scots have struggled to find an established number 10 recently.

And Sole told BBC Sport: "We don't currently have the capability or experience at number 10.

"Chris Paterson must now play there - he's a fine kicker, a top distributor of the ball and has all the experience Scotland need to get back to the top."

Scotland have recently employed Dan Parks and Phil Godman at fly-half, while Leeds playmaker Gordon Ross was named in the recent training squad.

Sole added: "Now's the time to settle on a fly-half with the World Cup not far away. For me that man's Paterson and he should be given two years to make that position his own.

SCOTLAND'S NO.10 CONTENDERS FOR THE 2006 RBS SIX NATIONS Chris Paterson: Born: 30/3/78; Club: Edinburgh; Test caps: 59; Test points: 407 Dan Parks: Born: 26/5/78; Club: Glasgow; Test caps: 19; Test points: 66 Gordon Ross: Born: 8/3/78; Club: Leeds Tykes; Test caps: 18; Test points: 52

"At the moment Scotland don't have a creative-enough force there who can shape and dictate a game consistently, or who's world-class for that matter.

"For me it's Scotland's biggest problem area and, sadly, I think it's unlikely (national coach) Frank Hadden will pick Chris at fly-half."

Scotland had a poor Six Nations last season, finishing fifth, but produced some more impressive displays in the autumn internationals against Samoa, Argentina and New Zealand.

Sole, however, warned there were still other problem areas to finalise before the start of their Six Nations campaign on 4 February aside from the fly-half issue.

"The front row's another concern," he added. "It sounds harsh but they're effectively journeymen and they're never going to really destroy their opponents.

"Ok, they can hold their own but they're no Andrew Sheridans and, when they come up against a very technical front row, they'll have to work very hard for parity.

Jason White's no shrinking violet - he inspires the team through his big hits and workrate David Sole on Scotland's newest captain

"My other concern is that some of the senior players have not consistently stepped up to the plate.

"Simon Taylor's one example. When he's at his best, he's outstanding but he's picked up a few yellow cards recently.

"I don't know if that's because of concerns over injuries but he needs to regain his best discpline."

Despite his concerns over Scotland, Sole, who was capped 42 times at international level and led his country on 25 occasions, said there were plenty of reasons to be positive.

He backed Hadden's coaching, which "seems to have brought greater positivity and invention to the squad" and also praised the back row, including Taylor.

"It's real world-class. Jason White's no shrinking violet - he inspires the team through his big hits and workrate.