PETER WRIGHT is sure Glasgow's hopes of securing victory against Edinburgh in the first leg of the 1872 Cup at Scotstoun on Friday will hinge on their half-back pairing.

The ex-Scotland internationalist believes scrum-half Niko Matawalu's stunning display in the narrow Heineken Cup 10-8 loss at Castres makes him key for Warriors and that the Fijian must start.

But, with speculation that both sides are under orders from Murrayfield to play Scottish-qualified players first, the No.9 may have to play second fiddle to Henry Pyrgos.

Wrighty said: "This one is all on selection for Glasgow. They are the favourites both because this game is at Scotstoun and because right now they are the better team.

"But the key selection for me revolves around playing Matawalu at No.9.

"He is the potential matchwinner for Glasgow. He plays off the cuff in a way that means the opposition just don't know what to do with him.

"You saw that at Castres on Sunday and, if he does not start after a performance like that, then questions must be asked about who is selecting the side.

"There has been speculation the Scottish players will be first in the queue, but it makes no sense to drop Matawalu. He is the spark for Glasgow."

The former British Lion added: "The other key area is at No.10. To play Ruaridh Jackson, who is in poor form, drop Duncy Weir to Dundee and then not even have Scott Wight in the matchday squad, is just not logical.

"What they need is a settled presence at No.10 and, for me, the best option there is Weir.

"So I think that more than any other week an awful lot is riding on this Glasgow team selection.

"They have the opportunity to get the victory they need to get back to winning ways and I believe they will take it."

Meanwhile, Tommy Seymour has signed a new deal that ties him to the club until the summer of 2015.

The 24-year-old said: "On a personal note, this is great news. But my focus is on the game against Edinburgh. It's vital we do everything we can."

The Nashville-born winger also won a Scotland squad call-up ahead of the EMC Test series, qualifying through his Glasgow-born mother.

"I said when I joined Glasgow that it was a little like coming home because of the family connection and I'm really settled here," Seymour said.