article: Scotland winger Sean Maitland is facing a race against time to be fit for the Rugby World Cup after it emerged he has undergone surgery on his injured shoulder. It was hoped the London Irish-bound star might yet return to play a part in the Pro12 run-in for Glasgow Warriors after being out of action since January — but head coach Gregor Townsend reported on Thursday that he had suffered a setback and has now played his last game for the club. With the news that the 26-year-old will miss the rest of the season, national boss Vern Cotter will naturally be concerned he is fit in time for the World Cup which starts in September. Sean Maitland is leaving Glasgow Warriors to play in the Aviva Premiership with London Irish next season . Townsend said: 'Sean got some tough news last week when it became clear his shoulder would require surgery. 'But the operation at Spire Murrayfield Hospital was a success and he's targeting to be back for the World Cup.' Maitland, who has 15 caps for Scotland and toured with the British & Irish Lions in 2013, picked up the injury when the Warriors lost at Bath in the European Rugby Champions Cup and was subsequently ruled out of the Six Nations. With the New Zealand-born player leaving Scotstoun for the English Premiership in the summer, his operation has denied Glasgow fans a final opportunity to see him play in their colours. Townsend said: 'I'd like to take this opportunity to thank Sean for his contribution to the club, he's been an excellent player for us.' Former Canterbury Crusaders player Maitland has won 15 caps for Scotland . Meanwhile, Townsend believes there is a real determination in his squad to secure a win over Cardiff Blues tonight for team-mates Al Kellock and Dougie Hall who retire at the end of the season. The veteran pair have been included in the starting line-up at Scotstoun with Warriors needing victory to edge closer to a top-four finish for the fourth year in a row. 'This week is really important for the club because we have only have four league matches left,' said the head coach. 'I have also seen the players really focus in on the win because they want to pay tribute to Al and Dougie. 'Tonight we want to celebrate what they have done for the club.' Glasgow coach Gregor Townsend has been able to call upon the services of star fly half Finn Russll once more . Townsend has made a number of changes from the side that drew 34-34 away to Leinster a fortnight ago. In the backs, fit-again duo Henry Pyrgos and Finn Russell come in as does Peter Murchie at full-back. Four changes in the pack sees props Jerry Yanuyanutawa and Mike Cusack start alongside Hall while Adam Ashe replaces Josh Strauss at No 8. Scotland trio Gordon Reid, Jon Welsh and Duncan Weir are on the bench after returning from injury. The Blues, currently in 10th place, will be without injured prop Gethin Jenkins but still have talent like Sam Warburton, Alex Cuthbert, Gareth Anscombe and Josh Navidi in the starting XV. Wales captain Sam Warburton has been named to start for Cardiff against Glasgow at Scotstoun . Townsend is not taking their challenge lightly. 'Cardiff look to keep the ball alive at all times and if you look at the stats from the league, they are the ones who pass the ball the most,' he said. 'When your game-plan is to go out and attack and keep hold of the ball and you have nothing to lose, then they could be really dangerous opponents. 'We need our defence to be putting them under pressure if they are moving the ball a lot. 'On paper they have some fantastic individuals in their side like Warburton and other internationals and now that they are out of Europe they will want to finish the season on a high.' Young Warriors prop D'arcy Rae, 20, has joined London Scottish on loan until the end of the season. He has already been on loan at Treviso this term but is set to have a big future at Scotstoun from 2015/16 onwards.
highlights: Sean Maitland has undergone surgery on his injured shoulder .
  The London Irish-bound winger is now a doubt for the World Cup .
  The Kiwi has won 15 caps for Scotland and toured with the Lions in 2013 .
prediction: Scotland winger 
   Maitland is 
   fit for the Rugby World Cup 
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   surgery on his injured shoulder 
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   star 
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   coach Gregor 
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   Sean Maitland is leaving Glasgow Warriors to play in the Aviva Premiership with London Irish next season . Townsend 
   Sean 
   operation 
   has 15 caps for Scotland and 
   injury 
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   Dougie Hall 
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