GLASGOW winger Sean Lamont has insisted that Scotland can win this year’s Rugby World Cup – and believes that anyone who thinks otherwise should not be in the squad.

The 34-year-old knows he will have to fight for his place in Vern Cotter’s final group of players, which will include just 31 rather than the present 46.

But he has the perfect incentive to do so – he stands on 93 caps just now, so he could well bring up the 100 during the tournament itself.

“On our day we can do it,” Lamont said. “It’s a case of getting all the foundations right, having that belief and taking nothing for granted.

"Look at our pool: if we are not on form for every game then Japan will be a banana skin, USA will be a banana skin, Samoa will be a tough test. But we can beat South Africa, because we’ve done it before.

“If you're not going out to win it then you shouldn't be here. If you don't believe you can win it then you shouldn't be here. On our day we can.

“We’ve pushed the top three teams before. Why not? Every dog has its day. It’s a case of everyone in the team and the whole nation believing it and backing us.”

And Lamont thinks the squad can have realistic grounds for that belief, thanks to Glasgow’s success in last season’s PRO12.

“Winning rugby encourages more winning. You get used to that feeling. Look at teams like Leinster and Munster, whose success carried on into Ireland.

“It shows that the guys know what it takes to be a winning side. Confidence with players helps massively. If a guy lacks confidence he doesn't back himself and doesn't play so well.”

Winning those 100 caps has been an ambition for some time, but he knows he will have to fight to get close to that target this year.

“I'd like it, but I've said this before – I take nothing for granted. Every one is a gift and I’ll take them as they come.”