The Scots produced a shock by defeating France at Murrayfield last year, but they have not won in Paris since 1999.

However Paterson believes that could change in Saturdays RBS 6 Nations Championship clash at the Stade de France.

Im really excited about this weekend  and sometimes you get a funny feeling about games, he said.

The whole team are looking forward to playing in a brilliant stadium against a team that we think is going to play a bit of rugby  and there is a burning desire in the camp to put in a big performance.

We havent properly performed in this Six Nations yet. Ive said that every week and people will be sick of hearing that because Im sick of saying it  but it is true.

We havent found the game that we want, due to one reason or another.

Weve played well in parts, and weve done some things well one week and other things well the next, but weve got to get a bit of consistency, and were looking for a big finish to this tournament with a win in Paris.

Paterson has moved from the left wing to full-back for Saturdays encounter, in place of the injured Hugo Southwell.

He does not envisage the positional change causing too many problems.

As Ive said a hundred times before, I dont see massive differences between the two positions  I think Ive played as many times at full-back as I have on the wing for both club and country, he said.

Its unfortunate Hugo picked up his injury, but I think there is quite a good blend in the back three, and were hoping to get involved and get our hands on the ball as much as possible.

The way I play I look to get ball wherever I am  whether it be at 10, or on the wing, or at full-back  but I suppose at full-back there is always that lingering doubt that if there is a turnover then you are the guy that has to get back and cover, so that can hold you back at times.

However, thats a negative thought and I dont really like to think like that.

You probably do get your hands on the ball a bit more, but whether its an attacking opportunity, or whether its getting man or ball or just sweeping up, it depends on the way the game pans out.