Pete Murchie believes Stafford McDowall is “knocking on the door” of regular international action. 

The Glasgow centre won his first cap against Italy just before the World Cup but was then omitted when head coach Gregor Townsend whittled down his squad ahead of the tournament. 

Since then, the former Stewartry RFC player has been in stellar form for Warriors and is currently also captaining the side in the absence of the injured Kyle Steyn. 

Murchie has been hugely impressed with McDowall’s development after a difficult few years and expects the 25-year-old to be back in Scotland contention when the Six Nations rolls around.

The Glasgow defence coach said: “He’s grown a lot. He might have had a couple of difficult seasons but sometimes that just shapes players and makes them the player they are. 

“He’s not had it all his own way but last year he was excellent and this year he’s playing every game and is captain. 

“He’s consistently never below a certain level and as he showed at the weekend with his ball-carrying, his defence and his kicking game; he’s really stepped up to the plate. 

“He got capped in the summer and I’m sure he’s looking to press on in that regard as well. And the way he’s started the season won’t do him any harm.

“I’m sure he would have been close in the summer [to making the World Cup squad]. There were a couple of tight calls in that department but he’s knocking on the door, that’s for sure.

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“At the end of every World Cup cycle you’re thinking about guys who may play a big part for you in four years’ time and I’d imagine he’d be one of those guys who could play a major role.”

Glasgow take on Ulster on Saturday night looking to extend their strong start to the season and there could be a first appearance this term for Jack Dempsey.

The back-rower has recovered from a wrist injury, while Sebastian Cancelliere has shaken off the effects of the knock picked up in the weekend win over Benetton.

“Jack has trained fully now for the last two weeks,” added Murchie. “He’s available for selection. Seba has trained as normal after going off at the weekend so he seems okay. Huw Jones is still a couple of weeks away potentially but seems to be doing quite well.

“It’s the first time for a couple of weeks that we’ve got everyone who’s fit back. The Scotland players have had their time off. We’ve got a lot of guys around which is good for training numbers and for competition.”