McDowall eyes chance to play at World Cup

Rookie Stafford McDowall is aiming to fulfil his World Cup dream – after only two outings for Glasgow.

The 20-year-pold centre will line up for the Warriors in Friday’s Pro14 tussle with Cardiff at Scotstoun.

And McDowall – the former Scotland age-group skipper – has set his sights on being in national boss Gregor Townsend’s plans for the tournament in Japan next year.

McDowall said: “The World Cup is definitely my dream.

“At the moment, I am taking small steps and trying to take my chances with so many guys away on international duty.”

Glasgow chief Dave Rennie added: “It is not ridiculous to talk about him in World Cup terms.

“We pick on form and Stafford has already made a bit of a statement and deserves another opportunity.”

Rennie meanwhile insists he doesn’t need his superstars to stay on course for Pro14 glory.

But he declared: “We have 21 guys away, though we know we will be getting a few back. We have a competitive squad without them, as results have shown.

“It would be easy to complain, but we want as many guys playing for Scotland as possible.”

Leicester Tigers have emerged as favourites to sign Glasgow’s Test centre Huw Jones.

Jones, who is out of contract at the end of the season, has already rejected a new deal at Scotstoun.