Gloucester quality delights Nieto

Nieto has missed Premiership victories over Saracens and Bristol

Gloucester's Italian prop Carlos Nieto says he is delighted by the improvement at the club in the time he has been away on international duty.

The Cherry & Whites face Northampton on Saturday, gunning for a fifth win in a row in all competitions.

Nieto told BBC Radio Gloucestershire: "In three weeks since I have been away a lot of things have changed, everyone has been working so hard.

"It's a big positive that we have realised how we can play well."

Nieto comes up against former Scotland loose-head Tom Smith on Saturday and he is full of praise for the 37-year-old.

He added: "He's not a very big fellow but he's quite technical, he's got a lot of experience and is difficult to play against.

"He can adapt and knows how to play against everyone."