The Edinburgh full-back, who started three of Scotland’s 2011 RBS 6 Nations matches, will become the first Scot to achieve the feat if selected.

And despite a record 104 caps, the 33-year-old is adamant he won’t ride off into the sunset should he make the provisional squad when it is cut from 40 to 30.

“It’s hugely important to me [to get to the World Cup],” said Scotland’s record point scorer.

“It’s a huge goal of mine and everyone in the squad, and I’ll do everything in my power to get there.

“We have three weeks now until we’re back with Edinburgh on 6 June, but we’re expected to keep fit.

“June essentially starts off the campaign of trying your best to be selected for the World Cup in New Zealand.

“It’s easier to target now that the season is over. I have no plans to stop playing.

“Your body dictates a lot, of course, and at the moment I feel good and I just want to improve and I’m as enthusiastic as ever.”

In the 2011 RBS 6 Nations, Paterson became only the fifth player to surpass 400 points in the tournament’s history.