Pro12: No away-day fears for Glasgow's Gregor Townsend

Head coach Gregor Townsend thinks Glasgow Warriors could still reach the Pro12 final even if they have to play away from home in the last four.

Glasgow must win away to Connacht on Friday and hope that Ulster or Leinster slip up if they are to finish in the top two and secure a home play-off.

"I know history goes against teams playing away from home, but we've got a good away record," said Townsend.

"Any team in that final four have a chance of winning the title."

Townsend has not given up hope of finishing in the top two after Friday's final round of games, when leaders Ulster host Cardiff Blues and Leinster are at home to Ospreys.

"We had a great win out here two weeks ago against Ospreys and we know it's going to be very tough over in Galway - we haven't won there since 2007 - but we want to do our best to keep up momentum and get the win," he told BBC Scotland.

"Twice we've played Leinster this year and we've had really competitive games and it's likely to be Leinster in the semi-final and they are a fantastic side.

"But winning this Friday keeps that momentum going and gives us a chance to get a home semi-final.

"Whether we get a home or away semi-final is out of our hands. It depends on what Leinster and Ulster do.

"But we're sitting in guaranteed third just now and if we are to win and Leinster and Ulster didn't win then we could finish first or second."

Townsend does not expect his side to ease off because they have already secured a play-off place and only have an outside chance of finishing in the top two.

"I don't believe there will be any pressure on the players worrying about other results, but there is pressure on them to perform," he said.

"They know that, if they keep up performances, they've got a good chance of being in that semi-final.

"If they drop off then someone else might come in."

Townsend thinks that, no matter where they finish, the future is brighter for Glasgow, partly because of the move from Partick Thistle's Firhill football ground to Scotstoun Stadium.

"I do think coming here to Scotstoun to play our games has certainly given us a buzz," he said.

"Players who might not have played so much in recent seasons have come in and played very well.

"It has created a quality group of over 30 players and it makes our job difficult picking the best XV, but it makes us a much stronger club.

"And the fact that some of these players are young and Scottish, there is a buzz about what we can achieve not just in this season but following seasons."