Mystery over Beattie injury as forward is ruled out for ‘weeks’

MYSTERY last night surrounded the fitness of Scotland back-row forward Johnnie Beattie – just two weeks after he was left out of Andy Robinson’s World Cup squad.

It emerged yesterday that the breakaway forward will miss the first few weeks of Glasgow’s Rabo- Direct Pro12 campaign with an unspecified knee problem.

Beattie’s prolonged absence from competitive action was confirmed by a cagey Warriors coach Sean Lineen, who was unable or unwilling to provide further details of Beattie’s injury.

The player had been a surprise omission from the Scotland squad for the World Cup, which kicks off in New Zealand next week.

Lineen, preparing for tomorrow’s opening league game with Ulster in Belfast, sidestepped the chance to shed more light on his short-term situation.

All he would say was: “Johnnie still has a sore knee. It is just not right. No time length has been put on how long he will be out – he should be back within the next few weeks.

“It is a hangover of training with the Scotland squad. I don’t know any more – all I know is that the knee is not right.”

Lineen’s patchwork side are aiming to make it four league opening night victories on the trot. And they are determined to make amends for their double defeat by Ulster last season.

The coach added: “This is a great opportunity for the guys to go to a fantastic rugby arena like Ravenhill and show what it means to pull on the Warriors jersey and perform.

“We were hugely disappointed to come away empty-handed from both Ulster games last season, because on each occasion we felt we competed well and put ourselves in a position to win.

“The fact that Ulster just pulled clear both times is a reminder of the quality they have in their squad, and also the fact that you’ve got to be right on top of your game for 80 minutes to bring home the right result.

“We are looking for a passionate, calculated performance that gives us the opportunity to win.”

Three men will make their Glasgow debuts – centre Troy Nathan, prop Mike Cusack and winger Tommy Seymour, who will be facing his former club after joining from Ulster in the close season.

In addition, Nick Campbell and Rory Pitman are in line to make their first competitive appearances from the bench.

Rob Harley – moved to the second row – will continue as stand-in skipper.

Lineen said: “I was very happy with how he took to the role at Sale last week. He is a guy who will lead from the front and take others with him.

“We’ve got a lot of guys unavailable because of the World Cup, and that gives other players the chance to really step up and make their mark.”