Scotland coach Ian McGeechan believes that the introduction of the Celtic League can help bridge the gap between England and the rest of Britain.

Clive Woodward's side have swept all before them in recent seasons to leave the Irish, Scottish and Welsh trailing in their wake.

But McGeechan insists the inception of the new league involving professional teams from the three celtic countries will help provide the experience required to challenge England's supremacy and numerical strength.

``England have always got the numbers and that is the biggest weakness for Ireland, Scotland and Wales,'' said McGeechan.

``The only way we could address it is by coming together now and then we start to match up a bit more. It starts to make far more sense.

``The structure of the season isn't right just yet. We have now started to get the competitions for the teams and now we have to organise the structure of the season so that we get the real benefit from it.

``If anybody has any thoughts about where we want to be, I think a progression can already be seen by way of the season now getting better with higher quality games.

``We have got the competitions right and all we have to look at is the organisation of how they are presented. Then, suddenly, we are not far off.

``The better the competition, the better background there is for your players when they are coming into an international environment.

``There is no hiding place in the international field. Teams don't go easy on you because you haven't got the numbers _ it is a level playing field in internationals.

``If we create the competition, the intensity and look after the number of games, then we have got the players best equipped to really make a mark at international level.

``The big picture is to compete on a world level and that is the exciting thing about it (the Celtic League).''

McGeechan also believes that the fresh challenge of facing Irish teams Connacht, Leinster, Munster and Ulster will benefit his young players of the future.

``From a competition point of view, this is a massive step forward for us,'' said McGeechan. ``There is a natural link for the celtic countries. It is not the finished product just yet but it is a massive step forward in how we are approaching our game now.

``With the introduction of the third pro team and the professionalisation of what we are doing, we are now on a different level.

``I am always looking for competition. I was out in Australia and they were saying that the level of competition develops the players best.

``So, the better you can make the competition, the better opportunity you have for bringing your players forward quickly. For me, that is the biggest plus-point of the whole thing.

``There are overseas players involved and they have a massive impact as well and that helps our players as well.''