Injured Glasgow captain Alastair Kellock revealed his frustration at missing out on the start of the Warriors’ Heineken Cup campaign.
The Scotland lock underwent a second knee surgery in August and has targeted a return in the autumn internationals, meaning he will miss the opening two fixtures – at home to Newport Gwent Dragons and a trip to London Wasps.
Defending Champions Toulouse complete Pool 2, and Kellock will be available when the French giants visit Firhill in December.
Although Sean Lineen’s side face an uphill battle to advance, Kellock feels the task is by no means beyond them after he called on the spirit which saw the Warriors record a famous 33-26 victory on the four-time Heineken Cup winners’ home soil in 2009.
“We’ve been drawn against two of the best sides in Europe with Wasps and Toulouse,” said Kellock.
“But that Toulouse game we won over there is still talked about – the effort that was needed, the level of performance and what we achieved that day.
“It also had a knock-on effect to last season because there was a lot of belief taken from that win, the belief that on our day, when we get it right, we can compete and beat the best in Europe.
“It is pretty hard to be part of this and see all the excitement on the faces of players and coaches, and know that you’re not going to be part of it until December at least.
“Unfortunately, that’s just rugby and I’d certainly rather be here chatting to the captains from the other teams, than not be involved, that’s for sure.
“When you study the teams that you’re going to face – Wasps, Toulouse and the Newport Dragons – our regular friends and rivals – then it just lifts the excitement.”
