Ireland hooker Rory Best has backed his Ulster and Ireland teammate Paddy Jackson to overcome his performance in last weekend's 12-8 defeat to Scotland in the Six Nations.

Fly-half Jackson, who was making his international debut, missed a total of eight points from two penalties and a conversion at Murrayfield as the hosts came from behind to win.

Jackson has been criticised for his display in the match, but Best believes that he will improve as he gains more experience.

"When you're a professional player not everything goes perfectly for you," ESPN quotes Best as saying.

"Paddy's a fantastic talent, a great player with a great attitude. His general play was very good, but under the type of microscope that's on Test rugby every detail is analysed.

"Great players dust themselves down and critically analyse what they did and try to get better the next week. Even at this young age Paddy has had a few moments at Ulster, but has bounced back strongly. That's the type of guy he is and why he will bounce back from this."

Ireland face France in the Six Nations on March 9.