RBS Six Nations: Scotland v Ireland
Venue: Murrayfield Date: Sunday 27 February Kick-off: 1500 GMT
Coverage: Watch on BBC One, BBC HD channel, Red Button and BBC Sport website; listen on BBC Radio Scotland, Radio Ulster & online; text commentary on BBC Sport website and mobiles

Johnnie Beattie says Scotland can still build on the progress made in the last year, despite their recent stutters.

Beattie returns to the back row for Sunday's meeting with Ireland, the Scots having lost their opening two Six Nations Tests to France and Wales.

"We've shown in the last 12 months that we're a good side, there's no need to panic," Beattie told BBC Scotland.

"The performance against Wales was as low as it's been. We're going to make sure we do not play that badly again."

Beattie was still working his way back to full fitness as this year's championship got under way and admits he had doubts over whether he would be included in Andy Robinson's side during the tournament.

"It's a massive show of faith from Andy," said Beattie. "I'm just looking forward to going out and repaying that faith with a good performance.

"After missing the first two Tests, I thought I had missed the boat and that I wasn't going to be involved.

"At this stage, to be given a chance, thrown a lifeline, selected and given a slot to go and play, it's a huge honour and massive bonus."

Number eight Beattie lines up in the back row alongside flankers Kelly Brown and John Barclay, the same combination that caused the Irish problems in last year's tournament.

"Them being there makes my job easier, the fact that they're there and I know how they operate, how they play, it should make the transition back into the side a little bit easier for me," said the Glasgow Warriors player.

"Ireland are a hugely physical unit whilst at the same time being fairly safe. The line-out is pretty secure, their scrum's secure, they're solid and obviously they've got a massive wealth of ball carriers like O'Brien, Heaslip, O'Connell and Healy.

"You've seen these guys play for Munster and Leinster winning Heineken Cups in the past few years. They're a hugely talented bunch of boys.

"But we've shown in the past that we can compete with them, we can dominate them and, if we're physical and abrasive, we can win."

Jackson wins his fourth cap against Ireland

Ruaridh Jackson, who will be making his first Scotland start, is another change to the Scotland XV, replacing Dan Parks at fly-half.

"He's been unbelievable," Jackson said of Parks. "He'll no doubt be hurting inside, but he's not showing it to me.

"He was the first to come and congratulate me and he's been good this week so far.

"It will be a tremendous moment for me and I just can't wait for it now.

"Everyone's hurting from the last game and we've got a point to prove.

"We've had some pretty honest meetings this week and I'm sure the forwards will get a good platform and a good foundation for me to get the backs playing.

"Hopefully, I can stamp my authority and it will be good. It's a new midfield combination, but hopefully we can gel quickly and be effective."

Though Jackson takes Parks's place at 10, he will not be taking over kicking duties, with Chris Paterson assuming that role at full-back.

"It'll take one bit of pressure off me. But, if needed, I'll step up," added Jackson.

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