Simon Taylor is trying to focus on Scotland matters despite being desperate to make this summer's Lions tour.
Scotland number eight dreaming of finally playing for Lions
Back-rower Simon Taylor is trying to focus on Scotland matters despite being desperate to make this summer British and Irish Lions tour to South Africa.
Taylor was selected for the 2001 and 2005 Lions squads, but injuries twice robbed him of making a much sought-after appearance.
With the Lions heading out to South Africa this summer, Taylor is desperate to make the trip this time around and the 29-year-old admits he is already looking ahead to a possible Lions cap.
"You obviously know it's coming up - you'd have to be deaf and blind not to," said Taylor.
"But you just get on with it every week and try to get through each game. It's hard to think too far in advance.
Consistent
"I just do my best every week. I've been pretty consistent.
"I'm not going to run in tries from 50 yards but I'll do my job and hopefully do it well."
The Stade Francais star will be concentrating his weekend on impressing against grand slam-chasing Ireland at Murrayfield.
The visitors have won their three Six Nations games so far this season, and although Taylor has been impressed, he is confident the Scots can push them all the way.
"They've been excellent so far," he said. "When you play against Ireland, you know they're very, very organised, very sure of what they're doing.
Phases
"They're going to hold onto the ball for a lot of phases, your defence has got to be rock solid, you've got to match them.
"When you've got the ball, you've got to run harder than them. It comes down to a battle of wills. They're obviously the favourites and it's going to be a tough match."
Coach Frank Hadden has come under pressure after Scotland's performances this season, but Taylor has urged those critics to wait until the end of the campaign.
"I think after the next two games, we will have a good indication of where we are," Taylor added. "It's probably good to wait until the end of that.
"The Wales game was a false start. Since then, we've been steadily improving."
