FORMER Scotland and British & Irish Lions back-row Simon Taylor believes Josh Strauss can make a big impact for his adopted country in the Rugby World Cup if selected.

Taylor, 35, won 66 caps for his country between 2000 and 2009 and played in the World Cups held in 2003 and 2007.

On Tuesday, South African-born Strauss - who will become eligible for Scotland on September 19 after three years living in the country - was named in Vern Cotter's extended squad which will train this summer ahead of the big event in September and October.

That call-up came just days after the 28-year-old No.8 led Glasgow Warriors to the Guinness PRO12 title.

Taylor, who went on two Lions tours only to see them cut-short by injury, feels that Strauss could certainly do a job for Scotland.

"Josh Strauss has been very impressive for Glasgow Warriors over the last couple of seasons and when he performs the team seem to get their best results," he said.

"Along with most of his team-mates, he played really well on Saturday in the PRO12 final and defensively he is solid.

"He seems quite a calm guy and a good leader for the guys around him, so if Vern Cotter decides to take him to the World Cup then I am sure he could perform on that stage.

"In terms of Scotland generally, Cotter seems to be a coach who knows what he wants from his players and the summer will give him a chance to really get a good look at everyone and see what the best mix is."

Like everyone with an interest in Scottish rugby, Taylor was delighted with the Warriors' domestic final triumph over Munster.

He stated: "Ever since Gregor Townsend came in as head coach they have improved year on year and that is the sign of a coach and a group of players who know what they want.

"I have texted Gregor at the start of each season to wish them luck and I just had a feeling they could go the whole way this time around. He seems to be a great man manager and more often than not gets things tactically spot on.

"I heard that Glasgow had used over 50 players this season and to keep them all happy and feeling part of things is not easy, but Gregor seems to have that skill and the guys buy into his philosophy.

"I think everyone was impressed with the way they played against Munster, they came out of the blocks flying and never really gave their opponents a chance to get a foothold in the game."

As a player, having made an impression with Heriot's and in the Scotland age-grade squads, Taylor joined Edinburgh in 2000 and then went on to play for Stade Francais and Bath Rugby before retiring in 2013.

Last summer Watsonians head coach Marcus Di Rollo managed to pull off a coup when he persuaded Taylor, a former team mate and good friend, to agree to play for the BT National League One outfit.

Taylor went on to play 18 matches for 'Sonians in 2014/15 and greatly helped the young players at the club such as Scotland under-20 squad member Ally Miller.

He also helped out with the second XV from time-to-time and next year will be Di Rollo's assistant coach with the first team.

"I really enjoyed getting back out and playing just for fun with the club guys. Having been involved in a pro environment for many years it was good to not be training day in, day out, but still working hard and looking forward to a match on a Saturday," he said.

"I also tried to pass on tips to those around me in the team and although we did not manage to get promoted there were a really good bunch of guys at the club.

"At club level there is a good mix because there are some young players whose aim is to make it to the pro ranks while others just enjoy playing as a hobby.

"Next season I'm not sure how regularly I'll play as I want to have a good go at coaching and to do that sometimes you need to take a step back from things - we shall see."