Already his country's record points scorer and appearance maker, Paterson will become the first Scot to play in a century of Test matches in Saturday's RBS 6 Nations game in Wales. The ever-modest 31-year-old is eager for the occasion not to become the Chris Paterson show and winced upon learning a post-match function in Cardiff had been arranged in his honour.

"In many ways, it is just another cap, it's another number," the full-back said. "I'm hugely proud of achieving it and getting on the field is certainly something I'm looking forward to."

Paterson added: "Since I got into the 90s, I thought, 'There's a chance here'. But right up until this morning, I thought I'd be pretty lucky to get it.

"I just want to get out, get on with it and hopefully not only get 100 but 101 and keep going up the numbers."

Asked whether George Gregan's world record 139 was under threat, Paterson said: "I do like to look forward, but not too far.

"Certainly, this weekend the focus is on Wales and applying myself as best I can to hopefully help the team get that victory."

With Scotland having lost their tournament opener against France on Sunday, Paterson was philosophical about the prospect of marking the occasion with another defeat.

"That's professional sport; that's professional rugby," he said.