Beattie was one of the star performers in the 2010 RBS 6 Nations although he missed the start of the 2011 tournament due to a shoulder injury and then missed out on this year’s after his move to France.

A succession of fine displays in the French Top 14 has seen the 27-year-old recapture some of his best form which persuaded Scotland to call him up for the first time at just 20.

And after having to watch Scotland lose all three of their autumn internationals due to non-selection including a humbling 21-15 reverse to Tonga, Beattie claimed he hoped to be back in the frame.

“I spoke to Robbo [ex-coach Robinson] before the autumn Tests and he said it was good to see me playing regularly again but that the autumn Tests had come a little too early for me,” he told Scotland on Sunday.

“If I was to retire when I’m 32 or 33 and I had just 16 caps I think I would be a bit disappointed but it’s not up to me. 

“I owe Robbo a lot because 2010 was the most enjoyable rugby of my career. I sent him a thank you message when I heard that he’d resigned from the Scotland job.”