England captain Dylan Hartley could be set to make his first appearance in five months after recovering from concussion as his club Northampton Saints play Glasgow Warriors in a friendly on Friday.

The 32-year-old New Zealand-born hooker missed England’s tour of South Africa in June on medical advice when his concussion became symptomatic in the wake of the Six Nations loss to Ireland in March

However, Hartley — who on Monday was appointed joint club captain with prop Alex Waller — said he hopes to make the starting line-up for their opening Premiership match on September 1.

“I’ve been training to play this Friday and to compete for a spot in the team.

“If I do get into the team and play, then I’ll be in contention for the following weekend.”

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© Agence France-Presse (additional edits by Cillian Cunningham)