Gloucester boss Brian Redpath has this week swooped to secure the long-term future of Scotland international Alasdair Dickinson.

The Cherry and Whites have experienced a huge turnover of players this summer, with the likes of established Premiership stars Iain Balshaw, Olly Barkley, Ryan Lamb, Willie Walker and David Young all departing.

Dickinson, who signed for Gloucester in 2007, was called up as a late replacement for the injured Allan Jacobsen during the 2007 World Cup in France.

The Scot made his first start in the RBS Six Nations this year and Redpath believes he has the potential to be a star on the international stage.

"Alasdair is a very capable player and there is no doubt he has the potential to be a great player for Scotland, if he can start to really fine-tune the basics," Redpath added.

"I think Jacobsen has done a great job for Scotland and exceeded a lot of expectations in the past two years. He has never let anyone down and he's not going to let Dicko come in and take his jersey.

"So Dicko has to start maturing now, has to put himself up there in the mix, and know that he is judged on his scrummaging.

"He has great qualities and with us having a smaller squad this season, he will get the opportunity to really step up and go from strength-to-strength in the Premiership. Then it?s up to him to play well and his international chances will come."