But Irvine, who collected 51 Scotland caps over a ten-year span, is adamant that while they are down they are far from out and is backing the side to come good in the upcoming Six Nations. 

And in his role as British & Irish Lions manager, Irvine also insists that some of Scotland’s stars could find themselves on a plane to Australia next year as well. 

“I actually think we might have a good Six Nations because sometimes when you have been booted and you are down you are determined to make up for it and come back with hunger and desire,” Irvine told The Scotsman.

“There is a fair chance our boys might bounce back. They will feel disappointed with their performance. 

“Look at England beating the All Blacks. England had taken such a kicking from the media (after losing to Australia) nobody was giving them much of a chance.

“Bookmakers were giving England a 17-point start and the English boys had had enough. They came out and took the game to New Zealand in no uncertain terms and – ironically – won the game by 17 points. For a straight win, they were 12/1 and made a mockery of those odds.

“I don’t want to go into individuals but there are certainly three or four players in Scotland who have the potential and talent to be Lions. I haven’t the slightest doubt but it will help a lot if they are playing in a winning side – starting against England.”