But after being told his neck injury is not career-threatening – brother Max plans to hog the headlines for Scotland against Italy in Rome in order to cheer up his sibling.

"It was great news to hear it wasn't as bad as it could've been," he said.

"I just have to be completely grateful to all the medical staff who were on the pitch and all the surgeons.

"James Robson, our team doctor, said it's a one-in-a-thousand type accident.

"Thom was unlucky to have the accident. But, at the same time, he was also very lucky to get the outcome that he's got, considering what it could've been.

"I wanted to keep playing and also play for Thommy, so, in a way, it helped to slightly take my mind off it a bit and now I want to do the same in Rome.”