Jones challenges Glasgow to 'lay down marker' against Racing

Glasgow Warriors and Scotland centre Huw Jones says he wants to "lay down a marker" this week in the Champions Cup for what he hopes will be a huge year with club and country.

Warriors welcome Racing 92 to Scotstoun on Friday knowing a win will secure their passage into the knockout phase of Europe's elite competition.

The significance of the next few fixtures is not lost on the Scotland back, who has recovered well after needing hand surgery last year on a finger injury.

"It's obviously a massive game this week," he said. "Winning the games in the middle of the season really tells, especially in the league.

"We're in a good position in the Champions Cup at the moment. We've got seven points from the first two games and a big opportunity this week at home to lay down a marker and hopefully get a big win."

Jones feels improved away form has been the key to Warriors' recent progress under head coach Franco Smith. The reigning URC champions are now out to prove they are genuine contenders for European rugby's top prize.

"We showed last year by winning the league that we can win tough games, especially on the road," he added. "That was maybe an issue for us in previous seasons, especially in the Champions Cup.

"We may have to go away if we make it into the play-offs so these are really important games that we're looking forward to. We have an ambition to go far in this competition.

"You have to go for it in these competitions, you have to take risks. That's what we'll be doing."

Warriors go to Harlequins after the Racing clash, before welcoming Connacht to Scotstoun in the URC at the end of the month.

After that, eyes turn towards the Six Nations, with Scotland kicking off their campaign at Murrayfield on 1 February against Italy.

Jones is targeting success on the international stage as well as at club level.

"We've got a big opportunity in this Six Nations. We've been building for a few years but it's about time we string a few big wins together," the 31-year-old said.

"That's probably the nearest goal for me personally - to get into the Scotland squad and then play well there."