Robinson has been linked with the post since Frank Hadden's departure earlier this month © Getty Images

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Players/Officials: Frank Hadden | Andy Robinson

Teams: Scotland

Andy Robinson has ended mounting speculation by confirming he has applied for the vacant Scotland head coach post.

The former England boss left it until yesterday's deadline before deciding whether to put his name forward but has now submitted his application. "I decided that I wanted to go into the interview process and if you put yourself forward then obviously you want the role."

Edinburgh head coach Robinson has been the bookies' favourite for the position since Frank Hadden stepped down almost three weeks ago.He spent the last week and a half insisting he needed more time to make up his mind, casting doubt on his desire for the job.

Asked if he thought he was the right candidate to replace Hadden, he told BBC Scotland: "I wouldn't be applying unless I thought so. This is a great opportunity for me and I feel like I can make a difference in the international game in Scotland."

Robinson believes he can get the best out of a team which has struggled for a number of years.

"It's a team that's got a lot of potential," he said. "The Scottish players are working hard and improving but you can't make big leaps. It's about the consistency of that improvement and I think the players are showing that."

The 45-year-old will now face competition from Scotland forwards coach Mike Brewer, who is the only other man to confirm his interest. However, it is thought the Scottish Rugby Union have received a number of applications from around the world.

Chief executive Gordon McKie said, "We are currently engaged in a recruitment process to identify a new head coach for Scotland to ensure that we raise the standard of the Scotland team.

"We anticipate that the new head coach will act as a catalyst for not only our national team but indeed assist in other elements of our strategic plan including raising player numbers and increasing competition."

He added, "We have been pleased with the quality of applicants for the post of Scotland head coach and we will now begin the process of reviewing the applications with a view to getting the interviews under way as soon as is practicable."

The process of interviews will take place over the coming weeks and will be conducted by a panel which will include external representation with experience in the game. The composition of the panel will be confirmed following Scottish Rugby's board meeting on Thursday.

McKie added: "The position of Scotland head coach is a prestigious role in world rugby and the quality of the applicants from home and overseas has been impressive. To ensure we secure the right candidate to lead Scotland, we have cast our net as wide as possible.

"I want to assure our supporters that we will do everything we can to secure the right person to lead Scotland forward starting with our BOSC Autumn Test games in November and then towards the World Cup in New Zealand in 2011."