Matt Williams men have lost their first four games of the campaign and take on Ireland in Dublin on Saturday looking likely to leave with nothing more than the wooden spoon.

Paterson claims talk of Ireland securing a 50-point winning margin -which could see them win the championship - was understandable but insists his team are determined to avoid an embarrassing whitewash.

He said: Every defeat hurts but to get four in a row is almost unacceptable. You struggle to sleep at night and it really gets to you.

But weve got one game left and its not a whitewash until that game is over and done with.

Were not thinking about another defeat, were talking about beating Ireland and spoiling the party.

They can say what they want about getting points but weve failed to deliver and the harsh reality is that is how people see us at the moment and its up to us to change it.

But we dont go there thinking about Ireland, were there to do a job and restore some pride.

The seemingly never-ending issue of Patersons best position reared its head again as the Edinburgh stand-off was moved to number 15 to allow Dan Parks to make his first start for Scotland.

Paterson insists the constant speculation of where best to play him has had no bearing on his relatively poor form in this seasons campaign.

He said: It hasnt affected my form at all. I havent played as well as I could have this season but if you ask anyone else in the team then Im sure they would say the same.

We set individual standards and I think everyone bar one or two have fallen below them.
I make no bones about it, I prefer to be at number 10 but if I can move to 15 and help the team then I would be delighted to do so.

Im aware that Ive been heavily marked and so I might get more chances to attack.

The most important thing is for Scotland to get their first victory. But moving back and forward isnt really an issue, Ill play anywhere for my country.