Scotland's Thom Evans and Chris Paterson make progress

Paterson and Evans were injured in Saturday's defeat by Wales in Cardiff

Scotland winger Thom Evans could be discharged from hospital next week, with surgeons said to be happy with his progress after a second neck operation.

And full-back Chris Paterson has been given the all-clear to return from Cardiff after the kidney damage he suffered in the weekend loss to Wales.

Both had already been ruled out of the rest of the Six Nations campaign.

Team doctor James Robson said: "Thom is in good spirits and the surgeons are delighted with his progress."

Winger Rory Lamont, who suffered medial ligament damage, 24-year-old Evans and 31-year-old Paterson were all injured as Scotland squandered a sizeable lead to lose 31-24 at Cardiff's Millennium Stadium on Saturday.

It was uplifting to speak to both players and hear first-hand that they're both feeling better Scotland coach Andy Robinson

Evans underwent neck surgery at University Hospital Cardiff after being stretchered off the pitch and the same surgeons carried out the second procedure.

"Thom, after discussion with his family and the surgeons who performed his initial operation, elected to undergo a second procedure to enhance his recovery," said Robson.

"This surgery has now taken place. Thom is in good spirits and the surgeons are delighted with his progress.

"Thom has asked me to pass on his heart-felt thanks to the thousands of people who have expressed their support.

"At this stage, I would expect that, if Thom's recovery continues in the same vein, he will be able to return home next week."

Paterson, who had become the first Scot to win 100 caps when facing Wales, had originally hoped to return to Scotland on Wednesday.

"Mossy was discharged from hospital in Cardiff on Tuesday night," said the team doctor.

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"He has rested for a couple of days further in Cardiff and is now well enough to travel home with his wife Claire, which is excellent news."

Scotland coach Andy Robinson visited both players in Cardiff on Thursday and was cheered by their spirits.

"It was uplifting to speak to both players and hear first-hand that they're both feeling better," he said.

"Once again, on behalf of the Scotland team, I want to thank our own medical team, the Welsh Rugby Union medical personnel at the Millennium Stadium and all the staff at the University Hospital in Cardiff for the quite magnificent care they have delivered."