Glasgow Warriors lock Richie Gray labelled Friday’s EPCR Challenge Cup home game against Bath Rugby as “massive” as the Scottish side chase a tie at Scotstoun in the Round of 16.

The Warriors sealed their qualification for the knockout stage thanks to their 40-26 victory at USAP last weekend, which left them in fifth place in Pool A, but only a point behind leaders Cardiff Rugby.

“It’s going to be a massive game,” said Gray of the Bath encounter. “We can’t wait to get back home again – the last home match against the Stormers was probably the best atmosphere I’ve experienced at Scotstoun in a long time, so hopefully we can give the supporters a performance they can get behind.

“It’s a big match in terms of trying to secure a home knockout spot, and the noise they make can make all the difference.”

The Warriors approach their game against seventh-placed Bath on the crest of a wave after seven successive wins in all competitions.

“The start was obviously a bit ropey for us with the early yellow card and letting them in for an early try, but I thought we fought our way back into the game well,” Gray said of the win in Perpignan.

“We could have been more direct at times throughout that game, too, and our discipline was nowhere near where we want it to be, so it wasn’t the perfect performance by any means.

“However, it’s 40 points at a tough venue in France, and it’s a bonus-point win that’s incredibly important in the context of the competition.”