However, the 30-year-old warned against complacency as Scotland look to pick up at least two victories in the RBS 6 Nations for the first time since 2006.

Brown said: “On our day we can challenge and we can beat anybody. But at the same time, if we’re not up there, we can lose to almost anybody.

“The thing that has dogged us for several years now is getting that level of consistency and that’s the thing we’ll be really looking to work on and looking to be in every single game after 60 minutes.

“I think there’s no doubt that Ireland are still very strong, but over the last few seasons a few stalwarts have either moved on or been injured. I’m under no illusions it’s a very, very strong side.”

Meanwhile, openside flanker John Barclay’s return to the squad may signal a change to the back row with Brown potentially switching to blindside or No.8.

Barclay, who has been out for two months with a hamstring injury, was among 13 players called up to join the Scotland squad by interim head coach Scott Johnson.