Glasgow Warriors head coach Franco Smith believes Jamie Ritchie has not yet reached his full potential as the back-row prepares to make his debut for the club against Benetton in the URC on Saturday.

Former Edinburgh captain Ritchie moved to Scotstoun from French side Perpignan in the summer but has had to wait to make his first appearance as he recovered from ankle and Achilles tendon problems.

Smith believes even with 63 Scotland caps and a wealth of experience behind him, the 30-year-old can still get better.

"I hope he finds that his ceiling is still a long way off," Smith said.

"I feel he's physically developed well now. With a foot injury, usually you get an opportunity to strengthen the upper body and the rest of your power game. And I think in the first game, if we can just see him carry the ball well and do what Jamie does the best he can, that will be enough for us for now.

"He's a good all-round loose forward and we just want that from him.

"There's a calmness about him and a leadership. He's a natural leader. He doesn't have to say much now in our current leadership group. But he brings that experience of having played and captained important Test matches.

"So, with him and [Rory] Darge and Sione [Tuipulotu] and obviously Kyle Steyn and George Horne, all those players and Stafford McDowall, they play important roles. Scott Cummings, I shouldn't leave him out.

"They all play important roles in our leadership group. And I think his contribution from that perspective is also good."