Head knock puts ex-Scots captain Mike Blair's career in doubt

Mike Blair of Glasgow Warriors is still suffering headaches and will miss the match against Leinster. Picture: Alan Harvey/SNS/SRU

The playing career of former Scotland captain Mike Blair is in the balance after he was again sidelined by concussion, writes David Kelso.

The 34-year-old scrum-half is out of Glasgow’s Pro12 clash with Leinster tonight following the recurrence of the after effects of a severe head knock.

Warriors coach Gregor Townsend admitted there was a question mark over the veteran’s future.

He said: “Potentially, there is a situation where Mike will have to think about keeping going. This is a new blow for him. He returned to action after missing six or seven weeks and appeared in two matches – only to feel the headaches again.

“We will just have to see what happens over the next wee while, but he will be given every opportunity to make a recovery.”

Townsend made it clear he will stand by Blair if he is forced to hang up his boots.

He stressed: “He will still have a big role to play – whether playing or coaching.”