But despite the understandable buzz surrounding the 14 cap Scot’s return, Warriors head coach Sean Lineen realises it will take time for him to return to his best.

“Johnnie is a very important player for us and we are delighted he is back in training and that he will play a part on Saturday,” Lineen said.

“But while all of that is hugely positive and you are delighted to get any key player of his quality back from injury after five months out, we must temper the expectation level with realism.”

But it isn’t all good news coming out of Glasgow for Scotland head coach Andy Robinson as the Warriors are still without national captain Chris Cusiter.

The 28-year-old – like Beattie – has been sidelined all season as he recovers from a split knee cap and the scrum-half’s Six Nations hopes are dwindling as each day passes.

“Chris is still over a month away and we are hoping that we may have him back before the end of February,” Lineen added.

“But I don’t want to put an exact timescale on that. The most important thing is that we get Chris back when he is good and ready.”