It was against Ireland last February that Lineen’s men suffered their only defeat of 2009, going down 35-10 at RDS.

And Lineen has picked a strong line-up for Friday’s match which holds a combined total of 228 caps and includes British and Irish Lions pair Mike Blair and Euan Murray.

He said: “The players have all bought into what we are trying to achieve and they realise this is a stepping stone towards playing for Scotland in the Six Nations.

“Unfortunately that result was against Ireland A, so we are keen to set the record straight and produce a positive performance in Belfast.

“All of the players involved are pushing for selection in the senior team and there is the right balance in the squad with youth and experience.

“To have two world-class players like Mike and Euan gives everyone a massive lift and it promises to be a good night of rugby.”