They suffered large defeats to eventual winners England and Ireland, but put in some decent displays against Wales and second-placed France.

Scotland will be opening up against defending champions England on Friday at Brickfields Recreation Ground in Plymouth, but Lineen is remaining optimistic of their chances.

Glasgow Warriors lock Jonny Gray will be captaining Scotland, and the 18-year-old will be looking to emulate his brother – Richie having gone on to play for the senior Scotland side 27 times.

And Lineen insists that the RBS 6 Nations Under-20s Championship offers an excellent opportunity for his side, with the Junior World Championship looming in June.

“It’s been really exciting working with a group of young players who are willing to learn and who want to do something special in this year’s RBS 6 Nations and IRB Junior World Championship,” he said.

“We’ve had four camps and every single player has worked hard, so we’re going down there to give an outstanding performance and there are players who have missed out this time around who are very disappointed.

“We’re really looking forward, with huge anticipation to Friday, so we can see what we can do and hopefully surprise people. England are always a very good team and they will be a good measure of where we are.

“Jonny Gray is an outstanding young man, who brings a lot of energy to this team. We’ve seen his older brother Richie at this level before and we know what he’s gone on to do so far.”