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Paterson eyes a fourth World Cup

Thursday 04th December 2008

Backing himself: Paterson reckons he can make another RWC

Scotland and Edinburgh full-back Chris Paterson has his sights set on a fourth World Cup when the tournament heads to New Zealand in 2011.

Paterson, who is now 30, is the current Scotland caps and record points-holder, and would love to finish his Test career at the 2011 World Cup.

"I'd love to be involved," he told BBC Sport.

"I still feel fit and my test results actually prove that I'm in better condition than I've ever been.

"I'll just need to get out and prove I'm still around then."

Following the Pool draw Scotland know they will face both England and Argentina in 2011, as well as the winner of the European qualification route.

Paterson was relieved, despite drawing England, to have avoided any of the Tri-Nations sides.

"It's good to avoid the big three from the southern hemisphere and we are more familiar with England," added Paterson, who did not miss a kick at goal during the 2007 World Cup and 2008 Six Nations.

"We also had a good away win over Argentina in the summer, albeit against a weakened side.

"It's a long way off but we will need to win at least one of those games, if not both, so it's a big ask."

Scotland's first goal is to maintain their proud record as one of only five teams to have made the quarter-finals at every World Cup to date.

And with a promising squad developing under Frank Hadden there is no reason, according to Paterson, why they cannot make the quarter-finals.

"On the whole, it's a young squad," he said.

"A lot of the experienced guys are young as well; Ally Hogg is up near 50 caps and he's just 25 years old.

"The older guys are myself, Nathan (Hines) and Jason (White).

"But I'm always willing to improve and my desire is still there to play.