However, while refusing to rule himself out of the running for the post on a permanent basis, he insists he will wait until the team's five games in this year's competition are over and done with before giving the possibility any serious consideration.

He said: "How long will I be here? Well that's two-fold. It's not just my wish, it comes down to those of others.

"I suppose it will be for as long as they want me. It's pretty simple.

"I came here to do a certain job and that is still my mandate. But the circumstances have changed and I have agreed to do a different job until a certain time.

"However, my other job still exists and I will re-evaluate my situation with the board at a later date.

"I will make my decision in the best interests of what Scotland needs. If the board decide I'm the person they want and if that suits me, I will review it then."

With that matter still up in the air, Johnson also admitted that he has not made a firm decision on who will replace retired Mike Blair at scrum-half.

The 85-time capped number nine stepped down from the international game on Monday but could see his jersey taken by either Greg Laidlaw, Chris Cusiter - currently recovering from a shoulder injury - or Henry Pyrgos.

Johnson added: "Greg will be there or thereabouts but there are others too. We are waiting on the injury update on 'Cus' and we will see how the form of Henry Pyrgos is as well. We will go with what we have got. That is all we can do."