Parks was man of the match against Wales and Italy

Scotland fly-half Dan Parks insists confidence has not been dented by narrow defeats by Wales and Italy in the Six Nations championship.

And he believes a heart-to-heart with coach Andy Robinson has put them in good spirits as they prepare to take on England at Murrayfield on 13 March.

"We had a really thorough talking over with Andy," Parks told BBC Scotland.

"I have to say confidence is quite good at the moment. We just need to close off games."

Having lost their opening match against France, Scotland suffered a late collapse to lose 31-24 in Wales then failed to capitalise on a lead before going down 16-12 in Italy.

England had a disappointing loss against Ireland, but Ireland are a great team, so they can't take that as a negative Scotland fly-half Dan Parks

But Parks believes that Robinson's team talk has given his side renewed heart ahead of the Calcutta Cup clash.

"He was very honest and it was appreciated by all the boys, which was really good," said the Glasgow Warriors star.

"We sat in it and took it. It was tough, but it was really good for the team.

"We had ourselves in a position to win the game against Italy and against Wales we should have won the game full stop.

"Confidence is still there. It is just a case of putting in an 80-minute performance instead of a 75-minute performance."

Parks had been left out of the side to face France but was named man of the match in the following two games after his recall.

Now he is hopeful of keeping his place and facing up to the challenge of England flanker Lewis Moody.

"Obviously, if I am selected, I am sure I will be getting a lot of harassment from Lord Snooty," said Parks.

"He is very courageous and always in your face and putting a lot of pressure on fly-halves. I know I will have a tough time of it.

"But, if I get the opportunity, it will be something I will look forward to."

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England lost 20-16 at home to Ireland in their last game, but Parks does not expect that to have dented next Saturday's opponents' own confidence.

"England are a very, very good team and have proved that this year in the Six Nations this season," he said.

"They had a disappointing loss against Ireland, but Ireland are a great team, so they can't take that as a negative.

"But I think we've improved from Wales. We did some good things against Italy.

"Certainly, there are some things we need to work on and we are looking at that.

"But, if we can keep getting our game in order, we certainly can challenge them and that's obviously what we are going to be trying to do."

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