The centre featured for Wales’ Under-20s last year but has a Scottish mother, prompting Andy Robinson’s desire to select him in his squad.

Both the Welsh and Scottish rugby unions have contacted the International Rugby Board, with each claiming Shingler as their own.

And although those watching on at the Madejski Stadium wouldn’t have noticed it in his performance, Booth believes Shingler has been affected by this tug of war.

“When it all broke and there were some questions over it, it affected him quite badly,” Booth told The Scotsman.

“As far as we are aware – and there is some stuff around from his agent – Steve Shingler is qualified for Scotland and will be taking up that unless he is advised or informed by the IRB not to do so. It is a massive distraction.

“He and his agent are taking legal advice about the whole situation and I’ve just told Steve to concentrate on what he does week in and week out.”