Gregor Townsend delighted at Finn Russell's return

Glasgow Warriors head coach Gregor Townsend welcomed the return of Scotland international Finn Russell for the clash against Ulster on Friday.

The 24-year-old sustained a head injury during the semi-final game against Connacht in the previous season of Pro12 after a collision with his teammate Zander Fagerson and was admitted in a hospital in Dublin for almost a week.

The fly-half, who featured for his former club Ayr last week has been given clearance to play for Glasgow Warriors in the Friday's encounter.

"We're delighted to have Finn back. It's a testament to the work of our medics, going right back to the incident which caused the injury, that he is able to return to the team.

"It's also testament to Finn's dedication and confidence that he is now available again. He has really relished being involved in the contact side of things the last couple of weeks.

Lauding Russell's dedication and commitment, Townsend is hoping the former Scotland U20 will make a difference in the game against Connacht.

"He got a real test last week down at Hawick. He had to make some tackles and carry the ball, while his match fitness was tested but he came through it really well.

"Confidence is such a huge thing when you've been through the kind of injury Finn suffered. You want to know you are in the best possible care and going through the right processes to get you back in a really brilliant position.

"So we have made sure Finn has had all the time to make that full recovery - but you have also got to drive it yourself.

"Finn was always a player who loved the contact side of the game. He's a very good tackling 10 and loves to carry ball too - he's not shied away from that.

"Even before he was supposed to be getting involved in contact at training he was getting stuck in. We'd make him wear a pink bib in training so he would stand out but we'd often see that pink bib getting a bit too close to the opposition.

"He's full of confidence but it's a big game for him to come back in to. Ulster will present a huge test but we believe he is more than ready for it."

Townsend also confirmed that Peter Horne will undergo a lengthy rehabilitation period after sustaining a hand injury in the previous game.

"Peter again showed his toughness and bravery last week. I think he thought he'd just dislocated his finger and carried on.

"He has played the last four games and was due a rest but it's just disappointing the rest is going to take a number of weeks."