SCOTLAND head coach Gregor Townsend believes Musselburgh-born Huw Jones is close to getting back to his best after he was named in the Six Nations squad.

Jones is one of nine Glasgow Warriors players selected, with the tournament kicking off with a Calcutta Cup clash against England at Twickenham next Saturday.

The 27-year-old fell down the pecking order last year having started both of the opening two Six Nations fixtures, with defeats to Ireland and England.

Townsend’s team, minus Jones, would go on to defeat Italy 17-0 in Rome and France 28-17 before the tournament came to a halt due to the coronavirus, with victory over Wales coming in late October.

However, the 26 times capped star has returned to form with his club and came off the bench in Scotland’s December defeat to Ireland.

Jones, who made his Scotland debut away to Japan in 2016, predominantly a centre, has been deployed at full-back for Glasgow this season, but Townsend believes he is best suited to playing for Scotland in the number 13 jersey he has worn for the majority of his 23 international starts to date.

“He’s playing really well,” Townsend told the media on a Zoom call.

“We see him as a 13 with the ability to play at full-back.

“Some of the breaks he made last weekend were very reminiscent of the breaks he made at 13 a couple of seasons ago for Scotland.

“Using those wider channels – that was great to see, and it showed how tough he is to bring down.”

GLASGOW, SCOTLAND - OCTOBER 11: Huw Jones in action for Glasgow Warriors during the Guinness Pro14 match between Glasgow Warriors and Scarlets at Scotstoun Stadium, on October 11, 2020, in Glasgow, Scotland (Photo by Ross Parker / SNS Group).

GLASGOW, SCOTLAND - OCTOBER 11: Huw Jones in action for Glasgow Warriors during the Guinness Pro14 match between Glasgow Warriors and Scarlets at Scotstoun Stadium, on October 11, 2020, in Glasgow, Scotland (Photo by Ross Parker / SNS Group).

After a difficult couple of seasons, Jones – who has been linked with a move away from Glasgow, with London Irish and Bayonne mentioned as potential destinations – looks back to the form that saw him burst onto the international scene in 2016/17.

“Huw’s playing with a lot of confidence and that’s a positive thing,” Townsend said.

“If he gets into our 23 or our starting XV, whether he starts or gets on at 13 or 15, we know he’s playing with confidence and he’ll be able to adapt to either position.

“He’s developing a more all-round game playing game, understanding what happens in defence and having to develop a kicking game himself.

“We think his strengths are suited to 15 but we just feel that where we are, and with what he can bring, 13 is still his better position.”

Scotland head to Twickenham next weekend looking to pick up their first win there since 1983.

The following Saturday, Scotland host Wales before then travelling to France at the end of the month.

The Scots, who have also invited promising East Lothian rugby star Rory Darge to train with the national squad during the competition, then welcome Ireland on March 14 before wrapping up the tournament against Italy six days later.

Twenty-year-old Darge, who attended North Berwick High School, made his debut for Edinburgh against Leinster in November last year and has previously represented Scotland’s under-20s.