Scotland's Sam Hidalgo-Clyne says the competition for places in the Scotland squad is huge motivation as he prepares for the start of the Six Nations next weekend.

The Edinburgh scrum half will provide back up to captain Greig Laidlaw at the start of the tournament, but he knows he must perform well if he's to keep his place when Henry Pyrgos returns from injury.

"He's still very much involved in the camp so obviously it's very unfortunate he's not able to train at the moment," Hidalgo-Clyne said.

"I like the competition side of things so it really does push me. I know he's going to be straight back into the side as soon as he's fit so I can't take my foot off by any means."

The 22-year-old, who was born in Spain, has eight caps for the Scotland national side. He's looking to take his tally into double figures when the tournament gets started next weekend.

Scotland take on England on the opening day, Saturday, February 6, at Murrayfield. Last year Hidalgo-Clyne's side were condemned to the wooden spoon after failing to win any of their five matches.