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Glasgow Warriors flanker Rob Harley has been denied a chance to win back his Scotland place for the Six Nations as he faces three months on the sidelines.

The 25-year-old picked up a thumb injury in Saturday's European Champions Cup win over Scarlets.

Harley, who has 15 caps, had missed out on Vern Cotter's final squad for the summer's World Cup finals.

But Warriors head coach Gregor Townsend pointed out that Harley had impressed since then for the Pro12 side.

"Rob is going to be out for up to three months, which is another blow for him because I think he's been in great form," he said about Harley's international prospects.

"He played during the Six Nations last year and his form this season merited him at least being in the mix this season.

"There is a lot of competition for the back-row, but the way Rob was playing he certainly should have been considered.

"The good news is that he was operated on down in Swansea and was able to come back up on the plane with us.

"He knows the timescale on his recovery now, but he was cracking jokes in our team meeting yesterday, so he seems to be in good spirits."

Harley had been taken to hospital in Swansea following Saturday's game and "will be reviewed by a consultant at BMI Ross Hall Hospital" in Glasgow.

The first games he will miss is the festive double header against Edinburgh in the Pro12, the first leg being at Murrayfield on Sunday.

Harley will also miss Glasgow's remaining three pool games in Europe and is unlikely to feature in the Six Nations, which kicks off for Scotland against England on 6 February.

Scotland complete their campaign away to Ireland on 19 March.