Rory Best has admitted losing Devin Toner to an ankle injury for the rest of the Six Nations is a “massive” blow to Ireland.

Leinster lock Toner has undergone ankle surgery for the issue suffered in Ireland’s 32-20 loss to England last weekend and will be sidelined for two months.

The dependable second-row has so far only missed six Test matches since Joe Schmidt took charge of Ireland in 2013, featuring more regularly than any other player under the Kiwi’s stewardship.

Ireland’s defence of their 2018 title took a hefty hit with that punishing loss to England in Dublin, and hooker Best has admitted Toner’s extended absence is another dent.

“Look it’s massive, he’s been a big part of what we’ve created here over the last while,” said Best.

“He’s a great player, and over the last 18 months, two years, he’s probably played some of the best Rugby of his career.

“So to lose a player like that, and the intellectual property he brings around the lineout.

“You all know him, the calmness he has is a great thing to have around the team environment. So he’ll be a loss, as any great player is.”

Toner is Ireland’s third frontline lock injury in this tournament, with British and Irish Lion Iain Henderson missing with a finger complaint and Munster powerhouse Tadhg Beirne out with knee trouble.

Ireland’s much-vaunted strength in depth at lock has taken something of hammering, though the fast-rising James Ryan remains in situ and will be partnered in Scotland on Saturday by Quinn Roux.

Connacht’s Roux will share the burden of calling Ireland’s lineouts at Murrayfield, while provincial team-mate Ultan Dillane can offer pace and power on the ball from the bench.

“When these things happen it gives an opportunity to somebody else,” said Best.

“I thought Quinn Roux was great when he came on against England, he showed a lot of physicality, he’s been playing very well for Connacht.

“This is a massive opportunity for him, and also a big opportunity for James Ryan to step up, and also lead in that second-row.”

Provided by Press Association Sport