Ireland slipped to a narrow 25-22 defeat to France last week and Declan Kidney confirmed Ferris will not be back in time for the Scotland match.

But the 25-year-old is adamant his current injury trouble is simply a case of misfortune and not linked to his abrasive approach.

“I don't think it's got anything to do with the way I play,” said Ferris. “I think it's just bad luck.

“When I did the knee against Aironi, it wasn't in a big tackle or anything; the scrum wheeled around and their tight-head prop fell on me when my knee wasn't braced.

“There is a massive psychological challenge to injury but over the years, unfortunately, it's something I have become used to.

“I'm not setting any targets, we'll just have to see how it goes. It was sore when I tried to run but I'm not in any great pain; it's more frustration than anything else.

“Watching the boys against France last weekend was very tough.

“You don't mind holding your hands up when you've lost by 30 points and have been beaten by a better team, but when you lose by a couple of points it's really hard.

“France were not better than Ireland. We were just very unlucky that we didn't put them to bed earlier and get the win.

“Scotland look a bit short on confidence. But against France they showed they are more than capable of scoring tries.

“Still if we go over there and cut out the mistakes, I definitely think we will kick back and get the win.”