Scotland’s recent poor form stretches back to the World Cup and after losing their three tournament openers to England, Wales and France – criticism is continuing to rain down on Robinson.

Barclay has been impressed with some of the attacking play Scotland have produced during the tournament to-date but a combination of poor discipline and individual errors has seen Robinson’s men fail to register a win so far this campaign.

Defeat in Ireland, which almost seems inevitable this weekend, will mean Scotland will face Italy in their final RBS 6 Nations game needing a win to avoid the dreaded wooden spoon but Barclay is not panicking.  

“I think it's time to deliver for this group of players,” said Barclay.

“The last few years there has been a lot spoken about potential but I do believe this is the best group of players I have been involved with for Scotland.

“Some are younger guys coming through and some are guys coming into some good form.

“There is a lot of disappointment but also we're using that disappointment to hopefully turn it into something special this weekend.”