IF there was any need for extra motivation as Glasgow Warriors try to get back to winning ways this weekend after suffering their first defeat of the season, then maintaining their winning record at home should provide it.

Ulster, tomorrow's opponents, have not won in Glasgow since the club moved to Scotstoun Stadium – the last away win was in 2011, when matches were still at Firhill – and having celebrated a year since their last home defeat, the Warriors are determined to keep the home run going.

It will be tough, admits Mike Blair, one of the assistant coaches at Glasgow. Ulster have recruited well, have Ruan Pienaar aiming to leave the club on a high when his contract is up at the end of the season, and they will be seeking to continue their unbeaten start to the season.

"We have got a bit of history playing here at Scotstoun, they have never won here," said Blair. "That is a proud record for us but is something that will motivate them. Glasgow do not like losing and we need to see a reaction [from last week's defeat in Cardiff].

"We are 11 points from three games which pretty much equates to three victories. You can look at it like that. The two finalists and then Cardiff away from home – to get 11 from that is a reasonable start. If we can win this we will be content with the first four games.

"Piennar is a good player, very composed. That is his thing. He goal kicks, he manages games. He is a very good player. He has been part of what Ulster has been strong at for a while. Whether it is the goal-kicking, kicking to the corner, organising his forwards, reading the game, he does all that very well. He is in the top rank of players I have taken on and I have seen and played against a lot of good nines."

The biggest issue for Glasgow is the continuing problems in the back row, with Josh Strauss, who was playing his first game of the season, coming off at half time last week with a head knock and struggling to be ready on a six-day turnaround.

Blair heaped praise on 19-year-old Lewis Wynne, who replaced him, and reckons it won't be long before we see 18-year-old Matt Fagerson in a Glasgow shirt.

"Young guys getting the opportunity because of the injuries is not ideal but it is brilliant for the club that these young talented players are coming through and getting the opportunity," he said.

Another answer, however, could come from across the Atlantic with Gregor Townsend, the head coach, looking to take a gamble on an untested American, Langilangi Haupeakui, a former American Football player who has turned to rugby and been tearing up opposition in their Pro League.

A deal is still some way off but the club have confirmed they are interested in the 18 stone No 8, nicknamed the "human locomotive", who could go a long way to adding to their ball-carrying resources if he were to make the grade.