KIWI flying machine Sean Maitland is aiming for instant take-off with Glasgow after touching down at Scotstoun to begin his two-and-a-half year deal with Warriors.

The 24-year-old hopes to persuade Glasgow head coach Gregor Townsend to hand him a place on the bench for Saturday night's PRO12 crunch with Munster at Thomond Park.

Despite the winger having been out of action for 12 weeks with a finger tendon injury, Maitland has already completed his first training sessions with Townsend's troops and can't wait to pull on the black and blue jersey.

The 24-year-old said: "I am fresh and raring to go. I have met the boys and completed a training session with them and I am just desperate to get back on the pitch and get some competitive game time under my belt.

"Fitness-wise, I am in very good shape and for me the quicker I am back in amongst it the better. Fingers crossed that could happen with a slot on the bench at Munster on Saturday night.

"I know I need a big week in training but that is what I plan to deliver and see where that takes me. But if I am not involved this weekend then hopefully it will be the week after."

Maitland arrives at Scotstoun with the reputation of not only being among the best finishers from the land of the long white cloud, but also among the fastest.

He said: "I have always had a fair turn of speed and when I was at high school I managed 100 metres in 10.8 seconds.

"So speed is a big part of my game, as is versatility, and I can play anywhere across the back three.

"But I have a proven record as a finisher and I am here at Glasgow to score tries.

"I have been really impressed with Scotstoun since I arrived at the beginning of the week and there are not many teams who have their stadium and their training facilities all in the one venue.

"Really, I just can't wait to get going."

Maitland is Scottish- qualified through his grandparents and although keen to train his focus solely on making an impact for Warriors, the new kilted Kiwi – who was sourced by former Warriors head coach Sean Lineen in his role as SRU director of player acquisition – admitted he has Scotland aspirations.

He said: "I am Scottish-qualified and when I realised my international ambitions would not be recognised through New Zealand I had no doubts about coming to Scotland.

"No small part of that was the meeting I had with Sean Lineen back home and maybe one day I can emulate what he achieved with Scotland."

Glasgow coach Townsend has no doubt Maitland will make an impact for Warriors.

Toony said: "We know the quality Sean brings with him from his record in Super Rugby. But he knows he will have to earn his place in our back line and I am sure he will do just that.

"We have so many big games coming up through December that his arrival is a case of perfect timing."