Paterson is eager to add to his 101 Scotland caps

Chris Paterson is determined to reclaim a starting place for Scotland in the forthcoming Six Nations.

Scotland's record points-scorer has played only a bit-part since he was injured in last year's tournament.

"I'm desperate to be involved and I feel there's much more to come on my behalf," he told BBC Scotland.

"I'm happy with my form for Edinburgh this season. I'm not in possession of any jersey at the moment, so I'll have to wrestle it back any way I can."

Paterson won his 100th cap in Cardiff last year but what should have been a wonderful occasion ended in misery as he picked up a nasty kidney injury in the thrilling 31-24 defeat.

"Once it became a possibility, it became a huge goal of mine," explained the versatile back. "I did everything I could to get to 100 caps.

"The night before was brilliant, with my shirt presentation. Everything was looking good.

"I led the guys onto the field and within four minutes I'd picked up the worst injury of my career.

"I managed to fight on for about 30 minutes into the game but 10 minutes after that I was lying in a hospital bed.

"It was so disappointing. The pride and emotion of winning a 100th cap didn't mean anything. I just wanted to be better. I was in a bad way."

Paterson missed the successful summer tour to Argentina with the injury and was reduced to one appearance as a replacement during the autumn Tests against New Zealand, South Africa and Samoa.

And with Andy Robinson's side winning four of those five encounters, Paterson may find it hard to get back into the starting XV.

"I was disappointed with my involvement in the autumn internationals," he added. "But I'm pleased with my form.

"I've had a couple of knocks and bumps. I missed both Glasgow games with a damaged joint in my shoulder and I got a rap on the head last week, which forced me off early.

"But I feel as good as you can be in January, the middle of the season. I feel fit and I'm performing reasonably well, so it's now a matter of doing well in training and trying to force my way in."

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