Glasgow Warriors head coach Sean Lineen was forced to name a 23-man squad this afternoon instead of his starting line-up for Friday’s Magners League meeting with Connacht at Firhill (kick-off 7:45pm).

A busy treatment room is currently looking after eight injured players at present including five capped Scotland internationalists.

Speaking at today’s press conference, Lineen focussed on the positive aspect of young talent shining through at The Biggest Team in Glasgow.

“I’ve been really impressed with the attitude of some of the younger guys like Richie Gray and Peter Horne,” he said.

“Pat MacArthur and Jon Welsh also did well down at the Ospreys. You can see the hunger and the desire in these guys when they come on.”

Although disappointed with the final result, Lineen was impressed with the three tries scored and hopes to end the season on a high in front of a home crowd at Firhill on Friday night.

“We scored three outstanding tries but we maybe lacked a bit of direction and control for the remainder of the game.

“The period when we had players in the sin bin took the wind out of our sails a bit.

“Connacht is the last game of our season and one thing they will do is give no less than 100% so we have to match that.”

The team to play Connacht is now due to be announced tomorrow (Wednesday).

Glasgow Warriors squad to play Connacht in the final Magners League game of the 2008/09 season at Firhill on Friday 15 May (kick-off 7:45pm):

Forwards: Kelly Brown, James Eddie, Calum Forrester (pictured), Richie Gray, Alastair Kellock CAPTAIN, Moray Low, Pat MacArthur (Ayr)*, Stevie Swindall, Fergus Thomson, Kevin Tkachuk, Dan Turner, Jon Welsh

Backs: Thom Evans, Lome Fa’atau, Colin Gregor, Peter Horne (West of Scotland)*, Ruaridh Jackson, Mark McMillan, Graeme Morrison, Hefin O’Hare, Jose Maria Nunez Piossek, Colin Shaw, Bernardo Stortoni

Unavailable due to injury: John Barclay (foot), Tim Barker (hand), Johnnie Beattie (shoulder), Max Evans (knee), Dougie Hall (ankle), Ed Kalman (shoulder), Sam Pinder (shoulder), Richie Vernon (foot)

* = 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 log onto www.glasgowwarriors.org to add your name to the list of signings for The Biggest Team in Glasgow.