Hanno Dirksen will make his first appearance on a rugby field in nine months when the Ospreys face Glasgow Warriors in Sunday’s Guinness PRO14 encounter at the Liberty (1pm).

And Jeff Hassler, another wing who has been sidelined after a bump, also returns to Steve Tandy’s starting line-up.

The resumption of the pair will be particularly welcomed by Tandy as the Ospreys try to take the last unbeaten record in this season’s PRO14.

(Image: Huw Evans Picture Agency)

Dirksen hasn’t played since damaging a knee in the home loss to Munster last February.

It was the latest in a long line for setbacks for the South Africa-born player, with the hard-running back-three man having had three major knee injuries since 2012 and also an ankle problem.

The Ospreys have missed him because when he is fit and firing he gives them an extra dimension with his power and try-scoring ability.

(Image: Huw Evans Picture Agency)

Hassler, too, could do with an injury-free run.

He has been sidelined this time since picking up a head knock against Saracens.

Previously, he had made his presence felt with his ability to scatter defenders and cross the gain-line.

The Ospreys name Joe Thomas in midfield after his recall from a loan arrangement with the Dragons, while Guy Mercer starts at openside and 18-year-old Will Jones could make his league debut if he features off the bench.

“Will is a good player,” said Mercer.

“He took a knock last weekend from being too strong on the ball, which is a blessing and a curse.

“But the way he reads the game is good. I’ve given him a bit of advice in the odd conversation we’ve had. Hopefully, I’ll be able to help him out as we go along.

“Glasgow will be tough opponents, but we had a good win in Anglo-Welsh against Cardiff Blues and are all looking forward to the challenge.”

Under Dave Rennie, the Scots have opened the league season with eight straight wins but are missing a number of players because of injuries and Scotland calls.

Ospreys: D. Evans; H. Dirksen, J. Thomas, A. Beck, J. Hassler; S. Davies, T. Habberfield; P. James, S. Parry, D. Arhip, L. Ashley, B. Davies, O. Cracknell, J. King, G. Mercer. Reps: S. Baldwin, G. Thomas, M. Fia, R. McCusker, W. Jones, R. Morgan-Williams, J. Hook, D. Howells.

Glasgow Warriors: R. Jackson; L. Masaga, N. Grigg, S. Johnson, L. Sarto; A. Hastings, G. Horne; A. Allan, P. MacArthur, D. Rae, K. McDonald, S. Cummings, C. Gibbins (capt), S. Vunisa, M. Smith. Reps: G. Turner, R. Grant, S. Halnukonuka, H. Burr, L. Wynne, K. Barreto, B. Thomson, L. Jones.