Wales coach Warren Gatland has sung the praises of England hooker Dylan Hartley ahead of Friday's Six Nations opener in Cardiff.

Hartley's repeated disciplinary problems have been focused on in the build-up to the game at the Millennium Stadium, though the 28-year-old is expected to start for the visitors.

Gatland has been critical of the Northampton Saints forward in the past, but he insists that he now has "a huge amount of respect" for Hartley.

"Dylan brings an edge to the game. That's what makes top players," he is quoted as saying by Sky Sports News. "I've got a huge amount of respect for him. He's got an edge and is competitive, and he has that will to win. He has improved his game and is a quality hooker."

Hartley has won 61 caps for England since he made his debut back in 2008.