Glasgow Caledonians coach Richie Dixon insists his side have not thrown away home advantage with their decision to play the European Cup tie with Leicester at McDiarmid Park.

The Reds have enjoyed a largely successful Welsh/Scottish League campaign on their home pitch of Hughenden in Glasgow but have opted to play their first home game of the Heineken Cup competition at St Johnstone's ground in Perth.

But Dixon maintains the venue for the game will have no bearing on the result against the English champions.

He said: "We don't feel that we are giving away home advantage at McDiarmid Park. That and Hughenden are the two pitches the players prefer to play on.

"Obviously we play our league matches there but, before the split, it was very much a home venue for the Reds. We have just picked up on that.

"Hughenden is much improved from last year but McDiarmid Park is the kind of pitch for a fast, flowing game. But it is down to the players and the game they produce.

"We were very encouraged by the number of people who came along last year. The team has moved on.

"We have won more games at this stage than last season. Our team is developing and I would hope that the people of the Caledonia region as well as Glasgow come to the game.

"Last year the two games were very intense and exciting with a lot of good rugby in them.

"We know that we have to win but we realise that we must also win it in a manner which excites people who come along and watch it.

"The game has to catch the imagination of the spectators and the fact that Leicester are the English champions should encourage people to come.

"But we are starting to get more people coming to Hughenden through our efforts on and off the field. We have to work hard to keep up that progress. It is up to the players to impose themselves on the match."

The Reds are no strangers to the Tigers after playing against them twice in the competition last season.

But Dixon has warned the supporters not to expect exactly the same type of game as last season's win and loss against Leicester.

"Nobody can expect the same type of game against Leicester as we have had previously," said Dixon.

"Leicester are working hard to achieve the kind of game Dean Richards and the players want to play.

"You don't get to the top of the Zurich League without performing. They will also be buoyed by Deano's comments that his team played the way they wanted to play against Pau.

"We know that Leicester are a big side and, if they took us lightly last year, they won't do that again.

"The onus is on any team to try and win that vital away game. They know that if they can sneak an away win it will be a boost for their own chances."

Dixon has dropped James Craig from the squad for the game after being left disappointed with the player's performance in the 40-25 defeat at Pontypridd last week.

"I have spoken to James at length (about last week)," said Dixon.

Andy Nicol has already dropped out of the squad through injury but Fraser Stott returns.

Shaun Longstaff will also be available after a missed flight prevented him from playing in Wales last week.