And the followers of the national teams fortunes are therefore hoping an international return is not far away either.

The 25-year-old number eight has been missing from their line-up for almost a year since damaging knee ligaments against Ireland last season.

The Scots are struggling in this seasons RBS 6 Nations tournament, having been thrashed by the Irish at Murrayfield at the weekend.

So Taylors return would be a big boost for Matt Williams side, who are battling to avoid another wooden spoon.

Taylor is expected to begin his comeback by turning out for his club side against Leinster in the Celtic League at Murrayfield on Saturday night.

He is likely to begin on the bench but should he come through a trouble-free 40 minutes that would open the door for an eagerly-anticipated international comeback.

Taylor had spent a week on loan to Premiership side Saracens earlier in the month, where he moved nearer to match fitness with 20 minutes against Northampton and a half against touring side The Cats.

The Scots face Italy, Wales and England in their final RBS 6 Nations fixtures and for Taylor there is the added incentive of a place in the British and Irish Lions squad to take on New Zealand later in the year.