Young Glasgow Warriors prop Jon Welsh will make his professional debut in Swansea this weekend having been handed a dream start for Sunday’s Magners League clash against the Ospreys at the Liberty Stadium (kick-off 2:35pm).

On hearing the news, he said: “I’m immensely proud to get my first start for Glasgow. I’m a Glasgow boy so it’s a dream come true to be starting this weekend’s game for my professional team.

“It’s been a tough year of training and everyone at the club has been really supportive. I’m really looking forward to the weekend and playing against an established side like the Ospreys with four British Lions in their squad.”

Warriors head coach Sean Lineen said: “This is what happens when a player displays outstanding dedication, attitude and application at training.

“This will be a real test for him against the hair-bear bunch (Adam and Duncan Jones). The Liberty Stadium will be an intimidating arena but I think he’s up to it. We’ve potentially got a real talent here in Jon Welsh.”

Jon is a product of Whitecraigs RFC, who scooped this month’s SHE Club of the Month Award, and latterly GHA before plying his trade this season with West of Scotland. He signed for the Warriors in summer 2008 following impressive performances for the Scotland Club International side.

With an unchanged backline from the one that faced Leinster at the RDS last weekend, there are five changes in the pack, one positional.

Welsh takes the place of Kevin Tkachuk whilst Dougie Hall steps aside for Eric Milligan who prepares to retire from professional rugby from the front-line.

Dan Turner is preferred to Tim Barker alongside captain Alastair Kellock in the second row whilst Opeta Palepoi is given the nod at blindside flanker.

Palepoi’s presence in the back-row sees Calum Forrester shift to openside as John Barclay is ruled out of the remainder of the 2008/09 campaign with a foot injury sustained during last weekend’s loss away to Leinster.

Glasgow Warriors team to play the Ospreys in the Magners League at the Liberty Stadium on Sunday 10 May (kick-off 2:35pm)

15 Bernardo Stortoni

14 Lome Fa’atau
13 Max Evans
12 Graeme Morrison
11 Thom Evans

10 Ruaridh Jackson
9 Mark McMillan

1 Jon Welsh
2 Eric Milligan
3 Moray Low
4 Dan Turner
5 Alastair Kellock CAPTAIN
6 Opeta Palepoi
7 Calum Forrester
8 Kelly Brown

Replacements
16 Pat MacArthur (Ayr)*
17 Justin Va’a
18 Tim Barker
19 James Eddie
20 Andrew Henderson
21 Colin Gregor
22 Hefin O’Hare

* = Member of Scottish Rugby’s Contracted National Academy

MORE BIG NAMES HAVE SIGNED… NOW IT’S YOUR TURN
More big names have signed for next season. Thom Evans, Max Evans, Chris Cusiter and Rob Dewey will all be Warriors next season and now it’s your turn.

The 2009/10 Glasgow Warriors season ticket has more benefits than ever before. On top of a match-by-match saving of over £100 (based on an adult season ticket), the new deal includes free entry for you and a friend for the pre-season friendly (opposition tbc), entry into the ticket ballot for RBS 6 Nations tickets, free admission to the away 1872 Cup match against Edinburgh in addition to two further Edinburgh fixtures at Murrayfield plus free entry into a Partick Thistle league game.

Season ticket holders aged 12 and under will also be entered into the exclusive prize draw to run out with the Warriors as the official mascot at a Glasgow home game.

Season ticket prices remain at just £30 for under 18s with concessions and students enjoying all the action for only £80. Adult season tickets are priced at £160.

Call the ticket hotline on 0844 800 3490 or click here to add your name to the list of signings for The Biggest Team in Glasgow.