Glasgow could be on the hunt for new hooker

DAVE RENNIE has admitted he could be forced into the transfer market in bidding to resolve what is beginning to look like a hooking crisis ahead of their vital Champions Cup matches.

The Glasgow Warriors head coach had previously expressed confidence in his squad’s reserves after current Scotland squad members Fraser Brown and George Turner recently underwent surgery within days of one another, claiming they could rely on promising youngster Grant Stewart, supported by Kevin Bryce and academy player Robbie Smith.

The lineout problems they experienced at the weekend were evidence of how much work Stewart still has to do in that department, however, and Rennie afterwards accepted that they may need additional help.

“We haven’t closed the door on that,” he said.

“We’ve been pretty happy with how Grant has gone [but] we’re one ding away from needing someone so we’ll see how we go.”

Stewart meanwhile received encouragement from Saturday’s opposite number Stuart McInally.

“Grant’s an excellent player. He’s someone who’s a really, really good ball carrier, a really good defender,” said the Edinburgh captain.

“I carried once into him and I went back about five metres.

“He’ll get better from playing these games. He’s only young, he’s playing an attritional position and we also put a lot of focus on our set-piece and I feel he’s only going to get better. He’s definitely one to watch.”