Six Nations 2015: Peter Horne happy to be Scotland's Mr Flexible

Peter Horne will be playing a full international at Murrayfield for the first time

Versatile Peter Horne is happy to take any opportunity in whatever position he is asked to live out his dream of playing for Scotland at Murrayfield.

On Saturday, the 25-year-old who can also play centre and full-back will be there at fly-half after Finn Russell was suspended ahead of Italy's visit.

"There's a lot of players that, if they are flexible, they never nail one position and it can be tough," he said.

"But I will just do whatever I'm told and I'll try to fit the bill."

Horne has played at fly-half for Glasgow Warriors and now has a chance to prove himself in the position at international level after replacing his younger club-mate.

"I love playing at 10," he stressed. "This season, I've still primarily been at 12, but I think that's six games now I've played at 10.

"The last few weeks the opportunities that have arisen have been great and I've enjoyed my time there.

"I feel I am trying to practise my skills all the time so that whenever I'm asked to jump in at 10 I'm ready to do so.

"With Scotland, they are looking at me at 10 and that's a great opportunity."

Horne has fond memories of playing at Murrayfield as a youth, and also for Glasgow against Edinburgh, but says he is "absolutely ecstatic" to be given the chance at full international level as he earns his seventh cap.

Finn Russell was sin-binned by referee Glen Jackson during the defeat by Wales

"When you're a kid, you've got to dream big and I've always hoped that one day it could come to that," he said.

"I realised when I went out to France and got off the bench how big the Six Nations is.

"It was the best thing ever singing that anthem and it's addictive - you just want more.

"My mum and dad have not managed to see me in a Scotland jersey yet, so it will be a dream come true having everyone around, including my wee Gran Walker."

Russell was ruled out after the 22-year-old's appeal against a two-week ban for a dangerous tackle on Wales' Dan Biggar was rejected.

"It is unfortunate for him," said Horne. "He has been playing really well and laid down a marker and I've got to try to continue with the standards he set.

"I know he's really frustrated, but he's given me his best wishes and hopes I do a good shift."

Russell has been one of Scotland's top performers during two opening Six Nations defeats and misses their best chance of a competition victory.

Asked about the pressure of taking over the role in such a crucial match, Horne replied: "I just want to go out there and do my thing.

"I've got a team of fantastic players around me to take the pressure off me.

"We need to be very clinical against the Italians. They are going to be a really physical side and pose a lot of threats.

"But, as I long as I do my role in the team, I think we can get a good performance and the win."