Simpson To Return For Glasgow

Gordon Simpson could well be back in Glasgow’s squad for the Welsh/Scottish
League match against Neath at Hughenden on Friday.
Richie Dixon, Glasgow’s head coach, said this afternoon that the Scotland flanker was “much more optimistic” after training today.
If Simpson is back in the team it will be his first appearance since he damaged an ankle during Glasgow’s Heineken Cup win against Northampton at
Firhill on 4 January. That was Glasgow’s last home match, but they have not played at their usual Hughenden base since their Heineken Cup victory over Cardiff in early November … more than four months ago.
Two other Scotland caps, Andy Nicol, Glasgow’s captain, and Gordon Bulloch,
are ready to return against Neath. So is Tommy Hayes, whose thigh knock
prevented him from playing the second half of the match against Newport at
Rodney Parade last Saturday. Nicol was left out of the XV against Newport
because of a throat infection, though he travelled to be among the stand-by
substitutes, and Bulloch was rested from that match, which Glasgow lost by
5-55. The coach said that the hooker was feeling the benefit of the rest.
Gareth Flockhart may be fit to be considered for a recall after a groin
strain. But Steve Griffiths, who, like Hayes, did not play the second half
at Newport, will miss the Neath match. Richie Dixon said that the lock had
“not had quite enough time” to recover from his knee injury.
Michael Bartlett is still doubtful whereas as Jon Steel and Roland Reid are
not yet ready … after respective thigh, shoulder, and knee injuries.
Friday’s match against Neath will kick off at 7.30pm.