Glasgow's Richie Vernon facing lengthy absence after shoulder surgery

Glasgow centre Richie Vernon has undergone shoulder surgery and faces a battle to return to action before the end of the season.

The Scotland international was omitted from the RBS 6 Nations squad because of the injury, which he suffered in a European Champions Cup defeat by Northampton on November 21.

A Warriors statement read: " Following an MRI scan at BMI Ross Hall Hospital, Richie Vernon has undergone shoulder surgery. The centre is expected to be out of action for an extended period of time and will hopefully return before the end of the season."

Head coach Gregor Townsend said: "We're disappointed to lose Richie for the next few months.

"He failed to progress as expected, so in the end an operation was required, which will keep him out for most of the season. We wish him all the best with his recovery."

There was better news for Townsend after Rob Harley returned to training following a thumb injury while Peter Horne is close to a comeback following a foot problem.