Fully-fit Russell ready to take on the world

Russell made his first start of the season during Glasgow's GUINNESS PRO12 loss to Ulster at the weekend following a battle with a nagging shoulder complaint over the past few weeks.

The 22-year-old was a key cog in the Warriors machine that finished as runners-up in last year's PRO12, starting both the thrilling semi-final victory over Munster and the final defeat to Leinster.

And those performances earned Russell his first two Scotland caps over the summer against USA and Canada, although it was against the latter that he damaged his shoulder.

But with Glasgow in action against Bath, and England international fly-half George Ford, in the European Rugby Champions Cup on Saturday, the now fully-fit kicker admits he is desperate to build on that Ulster match.

"I felt okay," Russell told the Scotsman. "It went pretty well but it was unfortunate that our winning streak came to an end.

"These things happen, I suppose. It was great to get my first start, especially over in Ulster because I had never played there before, so I got a chance to see what it was like.

"As a No.10 it will be great to play against George Ford, who is a quality young player. I have never played against him and I would love to have a shot and see what he is like.

"Both teams have been in good form this season and the fact that both of us lost last weekend won't matter that much.

"They will have more fire in their belly because of the loss but then again so will we, so it will be a tough game. I'm really looking forward to it."

Follow us on Facebook, join the conversation on Twitter, sign up to our YouTube channel for extensive match highlights and sign up for our newsletter for regular updates on the GUINNESS PRO12