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Veteran winger Sean Lamont is adamant Scotland are close to clicking, and that a major result will soon follow.

The 34-year-old won his 92nd cap in the recent Six Nations defeat to Wales.

It was the second narrow loss in as many weeks as the Scots fell to France on the opening day.

But Glasgow Warriors' Lamont has told ´óÏó´«Ã½ Scotland that he believes the margins between more Championship heartache and a precious win are growing ever slimmer.

"We've got to improve on making the right decisions at the right time," he said.

"We're putting in shedloads of effort; we just don't get the rewards because we're not always picking the right options.

"There are some big things on the cards - there's a big win coming, and we just need to nail it right. But if we don't get it right this weekend and weekends following that, it can piece into nothing.

"I've said many times I'm sick and tired of being the valiant losers. We've pushed France hard and nearly got Wales - we're moving in the right direction."

Scotland welcome Italy to Murrayfield on Saturday, a game the visitors are likely to regard as their best opportunity for a tournament victory.

Lamont echoed the sentiments of teammate Rob Harley in acknowledging the "massive" significance of the game to both teams' momentum.

"Italy are going to be a tough test - they always are against us," he added.

"They'll be targeting us for the win in the tournament and we need to be winning every game left. There are three big Tests to go, and for it not to be just another year, we've got to win them.

"Italy have been looking good - some scores have run away from them, but they've pushed teams all the way."