Scott Johnston has defended Scotland's progress at international level, insisting Vern Cotter's side have progressed in the past year.

The national team picked up their first Six Nations win since 2014 against Italy nearly two weeks ago, with the Dark Blues looking to build on a positive World Cup campaign.

However, criticism has still been angled at Cotter's side, who started their Six Nations tournament with successive defeats to England and Wales.

"I think we have done much better than people realise," Johnston, director of rugby at the SRU, told STV.

"I think England is a very good side this year and we took them close. And then Wales, over the last 10 years have done really well and probably been the dominant side in Europe.

"But I think we showed some good signs and got a good victory over Italy. I think we are well on the up and I think this team is developing into something special, I've said that for some time.

"Another win or two in the tournament will give us great impetuous for the future."

Johnston - who has been in the position of Director of Rugby since 2014 - himself has come under scrutiny following a series of poor results at international level in recent years.

But the Australian was keen to point out the infrastructure being put in place in Scottish rugby under his charge.

"It's a competitive game, we understand what it is. We understand the rules," he said when asked whether criticism was fair.

"Since I have been here it's been all about trying to put a plan in place to make sure Scotland is competitive for the future.

"It's not about Scott Johnson, it's about getting Scotland competitive in years to come well past me. We've shown progress at all levels."

Johnston was speaking at the launch of the Scottish Rugby Academy at Broadwood Stadium in Cumbernauld.

He highlighted the importance of the new academy in cultivating the next generation of Scottish rugby stars.

"One of the big drivers about developing the game in Scotland is having access to facilities and control of the facilities," he said.

"That's been a big driver in this academy programme and the need to develop the game.

"Having the facilities like we have here at Broadwood and Napier and our other academy set-ups will ensure we can access players more readily.

"If we can get our tentacles across Scotland and be the number one sport, I think we'll have done pretty good."