British and Irish Lions boss Warren Gatland believes more Scottish players will be in contention for his touring party next year.

Gatland, who was unveiled as the returning Lions head coach in Edinburgh on Wednesday, took just three Scots with him on the 2013 tour of Australia - Sean Maitland, Stuart Hogg and Richie Gray.

And as he looked ahead to the 2017 matches in New Zealand, Gatland said he had noted an upturn in rugby fortunes around Scotland since his last spell in charge.

He said: "On the last tour there was a debate about the number of Scottish players that took part.

"What has been pleasing is that we've seen a progression in Scottish rugby.

"We have seen the emergence in the past few years of Glasgow Warriors - they have done incredibly well in the Pro 12.

"Scotland were unlucky not to make the semi-finals of the World Cup and we have seen some progression in their performances in the Six Nations.

"I hope that will be reflected with the number of Scottish players who go on tour in increased numbers.

"You want an accurate reflection to make sure the four nations are represented with the players who deserve to be on the plane.

"Definitely there are a number of Scottish players who are going to put their hand up and be in contention to be selected and I think that is brilliant."