FINN RUSSELL'S spot atop the pecking order at fly-half for Vern Cotter's World Cup squad is entirely down to his own hard work, insists Scotland legend Chris Paterson.

The 22-year-old No.10 enjoyed his best season yet for club and country, lifting the Guinness Pro12 trophy on May 30 with Glasgow Warriors after shining in Scotland's autumn internationals and RBS 6 Nations campaign.

Having made his debut in a dark blue jersey last summer against the USA, Russell seems to have solved Scotland's long-standing issues at fly-half - a one-game Six Nations ban for a dangerous challenge on Dan Biggar the only blip on an otherwise very impressive beginning to his international career.

And Paterson, still Scotland's most-capped player and leading points scorer, believes Russell has all the qualities required to make a big splash at September's World Cup.

"Finn is a new breed of player in some senses," said the 37-year-old. "He seems so free and gives off this carefree aura, but as a player he's very determined, understands the game and works hard.

"It's clear he's enjoying his rugby as well. How often do players forget the enjoyment element of it?

"Finn trains so hard, is very disciplined and he's been outstanding. I'm sure he'll continue to be outstanding and all with a great big smile on his face, so it's great to see.

"Finn clearly works well every day at Glasgow with Gregor Townsend, who is a fantastic coach with fantastic experience.

"He has helped Finn so much at Glasgow, but it also shows how much Finn is willing to listen and to learn, and he will continue to improve.

"He's been through ups and downs of his own as well with the suspension and everything that came with it from the incident against Wales. So he is mentally tough, too.

"But it's not about one man, or three or four men. Everyone has to train competitively and work hard and play to the top of their game come September."

* Chris Patterson was speaking on behalf of Land Rover when Land Rover and the Rugby World Cup 2015 Defender displayed the Webb Ellis Cup as part of the 100-day tour of the UK and Ireland. Follow @LandRoverRugby #WeDealInReal