Franco Smith has revealed that Jamie Dobie was on course to return from injury against Connacht before being withdrawn from the Glasgow Warriors squad at the last minute.

Dobie had been set for his first appearance since suffering a shoulder injury during Scotland's Six Nations victory over England. Scotland Rugby News is reporting Dobie had initially been named among the replacements for the United Rugby Championship quarter-final before Jack Oliver was drafted in instead.

The 24-year-old had returned to full training with his Warriors teammates for a sustained period, with the Connacht clash earmarked as his comeback target.

Everything had appeared to be progressing smoothly, but Smith confirmed Dobie was ultimately ruled out after failing to hit the required benchmark in a late strength test carried out by Glasgow's medical staff. The head coach, however, remains hopeful the scrum-half will be available should the Warriors reach the semi-finals.

"He was all but announced in the team," admitted Smith. "But unfortunately in his last test score the strength was not quite there. So, we made the wise decision to give him one more week at least and reassess again next week if, through grace, we come through this game."

There was mixed news elsewhere on the injury front. Gregor Brown now looks unlikely to feature again this season, while Huw Jones could yet return - although Stafford McDowall appears firmly ahead in the pecking order at present.

"With Huw, we're taking, it's week by week," said Smith. "He's progressed well from last week, and this week it looks much better and I think he'll be running today and tomorrow on the pitch out there for the first time, which is very, very good news. And usually, if he gets to that point, it's much quicker for him to be back to full fitness.

"With Gregor Brown, I think it will be touch and go for the finals, the final game, if we do get to there. That's another three weeks, so it will touch and go for, for Gregor."

Smith has nevertheless named a strong side for the URC showdown with an in-form Connacht team at Scotstoun, boosted by the return of Scott Cummings.

The British & Irish Lion had also been sidelined since the Six Nations through injury, making the influential lock's return a significant boost for Glasgow ahead of the knockout stages.

"Yes, that is a boost," admitted Smith. "I think he's worked really hard and you know it's obvious, it goes without saying."