AL KELLOCK has spoken of his delight at being named Glasgow Warriors captain for the ninth season in a row.

The 33-year-old has been an integral part of the Scotstoun club both on and off the pitch, helping the side develop into one of best supported teams in the city.

Skippering Warriors 95 times, Kellock holds the Pro12 record for the most appearances as captain, while also featuring in 38 European ties for the team.

The Scotland lock underwent surgery back in June in a procedure to correct a shoulder injury, an op which kept him out of Vern Cotter's national squad to face Canada, United States, Argentina and South Africa.

And after Gregor Townsend announced Kellock as captain for yet another campaign yesterday, the skip revealed how proud he was to be at the heart of Warriors' growing success for another term.

He said: "It's a massive honour to have been named captain for the ninth season in a row as it's something I enjoy enormously and feel it helps enhance my game.

"There is only one thing better than joining a successful team and that is being part of it from the very beginning. The club is growing all the time and we want to go one step better this season.

"When I was growing up and playing for Allan Glens, Glasgow wasn't a rugby city, but it's come on enormously since then. The amount of fans we have now is incredible and the number of people who headed across to Dublin for the Pro12 final was awesome.

"We had more fans over there than we did for home games when I first signed eight years ago. We are an incredibly special club and I am delighted to be able to captain it once again this season."

Townsend added: "We are delighted to announce that Al will once again be our captain.

"He works tirelessly on and off the pitch, helping bring out the best in other players, driving our culture and promoting the club.

"He sets an example to others and has played an instrumental part in the development of the club in recent times."