He arrived at Kingsholm on the back of a starring role in Scotland's relatively successful World Cup campaign but has struggled to claim a place in Dean Ryan's backline.

While it is true the former England forward has a myriad of options available to him behind the scrum, even when injuries and other reasons have depleted his resources Paterson has featured rarely.

Prior to the game against Bath he had started just three games, none in the Heineken Cup, and played a part as a replacement on six occasions.

Despite Lesley Vainikolo, Iain Balshaw and James Simpson-Daniel being unavailable for the match at The Rec, Ryan selected Willie Walker at full-back with Leon Lloyd and youngster James Bailey on the wings.

It was a dispiriting scenario for the former Scotland captain but, with Gloucester struggling, Paterson was introduced and made a sensational impact when he scorched through the Bath defence to score his side's only points in their defeat.

With just four weeks to go before Scotland open their 6 Nations campaign against France at Murrayfield, Paterson's impact, and the prospect of therefore moving up Ryan's pecking order, was a welcome relief for Hadden.

The Scotland coach will now hope his key back - and more importantly the world's most accurate goal-kicker - is granted more game time ahead of the eagerly-awaited start of the championship.