Johnny Matthews was the glaring omission from the Scotland squad this week but Franco Smith has refused to be drawn on Gregor Townsend’s controversial decision.

Matthews was pivotal to Glasgow Warriors’ URC title-winning success last season with the hooker the top try scorer in the competition.

Townsend’s decision to overlook Matthews has received criticism from Scotland and Glasgow supporters on social media.

The Scotland head coach has opted for Edinburgh duo Ewan Ashman and Paddy Harrison, plus Dylan Richardson of the Sharks as his three hookers - Townsend cited the latter duo’s impressive form on the summer town when explaining Matthews’ absence. 

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The Warriors hooker will line up against the Stormers on Saturday and Smith believes Matthews will now have extra motivation to impress. 

“I’m not going to step on that one!” Smith replied when asked about Matthews’ omission. “He is a good player and he’s knocking on the door and he’s going to keep on knocking and when he gets selected that will be because the coaching group there believe he merits it.

"He’s handled the disappointment well and I think we’ll see him highly motivated on Saturday.”

Another Glasgow star missing from the Scotland squad is Kyle Steyn and Smith provided an injury update on the Warriors captain.

Kyle Steyn has undergone surgeryKyle Steyn has undergone surgery (Image: SNS Group) “He was operated on on Wednesday afternoon,” Smith revealed.

“They put a little block on his fibula and it’s a six-to-eight-week injury.

"It would have been the same time length [if he’d not had the op] so we decided to get it done properly to make sure he’s available and healthy for the derbies at least, then going into the Six Nations.”