Glasgow Caledonians coach Richie Dixon has branded his side's previous meeting with Edinburgh Reivers `a disgrace'.

Scotland's two professional Super Districts come together in Celtic League combat at Hughenden tonight minus several star players.

But Dixon has warned the injury-hit line-ups that they must put on a show for the fans who have stood by them during their respective Heineken Cup campaigns.

Both sides produced some encouraging performances but eventually failed to qualify for the knock-out stages.

However, attendances suggest that at long last the Reds and the Reivers are winning over a sceptical Scottish public.

And Dixon believes a repeat of the dour contest at Gala earlier this season when the Reds recorded a 15-8 success after the home side had two men sent to the sin-bin.

"There is always going to be an edge but the level of performance last time was nothing short of disgraceful," said Dixon.

"It was like a war of attrition and I would hope that tonight the players will produce a game that is worthy of the standard they have reached.

"If we are going to make progress, I do not think the old `stick it up your jumper' tactic is good enough." Dixon will go into the match without a number of key forwards.

Scotland back-row Gordon Simpson needs another week to recover full fitness after damaging his chest against Stade Francais last week, while prop Willie Anderson and lock Steve Griffiths are both out for the season after suffering serious arm injuries at Ebbw Vale earlier this month.

The Reivers fare little better. Scotland winger Cammie Murray has been ruled out for at least four weeks with a shoulder problem also suffered on Heineken Cup duty.

Skipper Graham Shiel is resting a troublesome hamstring strain, while full-back Derrick Lee and back-row Nathan Hines are also missing.

With British Lion Alan Tait having announced his retirement last week there are opportunities for a some new faces to shine with selection for the Six Nations opener against Italy in Rome set to be made on Sunday evening.

Reds winger Shaun Longstaff will certainly be looking to catch the eye.

The Kiwi is favourite to take Murray's role in Italy but Dixon has warned the Wellington-born player not to become distracted by thoughts of the Six Nations.

"The best thing for Shaun to do is concentrate on his own game and the way he plays within our team.

"His form has fluctuated a bit this season and he has suffered a bit with a virus over the last few weeks.

Wingers need all their energy and if they don't have that, they can lack the confidence they need to finish off their chances."