With the Scots struggling for form in the RBS 6 Nations, having lost their opening two matches to France and Wales, the pressure is on Hadden to turn around his team's fortunes.

They face Ireland at Croke Park next Saturday and another defeat could see Hadden in trouble.

He is on a rolling contract and his performance is due to be reviewed later this year. If Scotland take the wooden spoon for the second year in a row, his position will be in doubt.

But Hadden is happy to be able to call on the experience of Robinson, who is reviving his career in Scotland after a poor set of results as England coach.

"We communicate regularly," Hadden said. "I was very keen to get Andy here. I thought he would be very good for Edinburgh Rugby and therefore for Scotland as well.

"I don't feel threatened by his presence. My job is permanently on the line, entirely dependent on results, and I see Andy as a positive addition to the core of experienced professional coaches we have here."

Hadden, 53, has had almost three years at the helm with Scotland and there has been a sense of under-achievement, particularly in the current circumstances where the squad is considered to be strong.

"When I took the job I knew how tough it was going to be," said Hadden. "I feel very privileged to have the opportunity to coach the national side and I am desperate to give the fans one of these rare periods of over-achievement."