The former England boss yesterday cast doubt on his desire to succeed Frank Hadden by revealing he had still to make up his mind whether to put his name forward for the role.

Robinson had been expected to confirm his position on the matter but instead he needed more time before making a decision, despite Monday being the deadline for applications.

The 45-year-old Edinburgh head coach admitted his family feared him suffering the kind of flak he endured towards the end of his disappointing two years in charge of England.

Asked if the criticism would deter him, he replied: "It would do for my family, but it wouldn't do for me personally.

"I'm happy to be in the spotlight, so I wouldn't have an issue about being in the spotlight."

Robinson insisted the fact he is English and a former England player and coach would have no bearing on his decision.

"Not at all, not at all," said Robinson, who was part of the Scotland coaching set-up on last summer's tour of Argentina.

"I've worked with Rob (Moffat, assistant coach) at Edinburgh this year and last year and really enjoyed it and I enjoyed being involved with the Scotland squad when I went to Argentina."

He also reiterated his desire to return to the international stage, saying: "It's a great honour to coach a country and to represent a nation.

Robinson said almost fortnight ago that he would discuss with his family whether to apply during a break in France, from which he has just returned.

He insisted yesterday he always intended to take a full two weeks before making a decision.

He said: "There's still a lot for me to go through. I can't suddenly turn round here and say, 'Yes I am applying, or no I'm not applying'.

"I don't want to string you along. Apologies if I did that before but I don't think I did. I wanted to use the full two weeks to make the decision."