By David McDaid

Paterson has developed into one of the world's best kickers

There was not too much to cheer on Saturday in Argentina. The circumstances were less than ideal for celebrating records.

But during Scotland's 21-15 defeat in Rosario, Chris Paterson equalled one and broke another.

His five penalties, making him Scotland's all-time top points-scorer, only served to highlight the Scots' failure to cross the try line.

And his record-equalling 87th cap was lost in the analysis of handling errors and missed turnovers.

Paterson admitted before the match that the records would count for little without a Scottish victory but his contribution deserves recognition.

At 26 he was the youngest player to reach 50 caps, he is already the country's most-capped back, and with 22 tries he needs three more scores to take that crown too.

Paterson first pulled on an international shirt in the 1999 World Cup against Spain at Murrayfield.

Nearly a decade later, and on the verge of a record-breaking 88th cap, he shows no signs of letting up.

One man who has followed the career of the versatile back from the very early days is Gregor Townsend.

Arguably Scotand's best ever player, Townsend was a First XV senior at Galashiels Academy, when Paterson was an 11-year-old first-year pupil.

MY SPORT: DEBATE Where does Paterson rank in Scottish rugby?

"I couldn't really have envisaged his success back then as he was quite small at school," said Townsend.

"A lot of kids in the Borders have talent at that age, but what set Chris apart was his desire to succeed, make sacrifices, and his willingness to put in the hard work.

"Since his first match with Gala at 18 or 19, he's responded to every new challenge, and that's the sign of a world-class player."

From his start at the Borders club, Paterson has gone on to build up a wealth of experience spanning three World Cups.

"I remember his first cap when he broke into the squad in 1999," said Townsend.

"To have been at the top for so long shows incredible mental toughness and self-belief."

Townsend's record as most-capped back was eclipsed by Paterson

Mention Chris Paterson in rugby circles and his kicking prowess is sure to feature in the conversation.

Before missing a penalty in Rosario, Paterson had put 36 consecutive Test-match kicks between the posts.

But, perhaps because of Paterson's astonishing kicking, other aspects of his game are overlooked.

Townsend was eager to highlight that "Mossy" - as Paterson is known - has so much more in his armoury than knocking the ball between the uprights.

"In terms of his technical ability everybody points to his goal-kicking which is world class, and the best Scotland's ever produced," said the former British Lion.

"However, when he first came on to the scene his kicking was nowhere near as good as it is now.

"People were praising him for his running game, and his ability to beat players and make good decisions.

"That's why he moved to the back three, because with his speed he's such an attacking threat."

Most of the Edinburgh player's international experience has been gained at full-back, but he has also played on the wing and at stand-off.

For Chris to have been at the top for so long shows incredible mental toughness and self-belief Gregor Townsend

"He's such a talented guy, and he knows his way around an international rugby field," added Townsend.

"His versatility has turned out to have been a double-edged sword because I'm sure he'll have wanted to play more games at stand-off.

"At first receiver he can make the most decisions so that's where he'll want to play.

"And that's where his all-round game can come through if he works hard on it."

Paterson was a surprise omission from Frank Hadden's team to face France in this year's Six Nations opener.

But Townsend says the way he was drafted in to play at number 10 in the next match against Ireland not only allowed him to demonstrate his worth in the position, but also his strength of character.

Indeed, as Scotland struggle to score from open play it seems almost inconceivable that this Mr Reliable could be left out again anytime soon.

Yet as Paterson stands just one rendition of Flower of Scotland away from a landmark moment in Scottish rugby, his old mentor Townsend believes the player won't be thinking of the achievement.

"Rugby players don't really take stock until the end of their careers, he'll just want to play as well as he can for as long as he can.

"He's the ultimate professional and a great role-model for others in the team and other young players throughout the country.

"If he stays fit I really think he can go on to win 100 caps."