Richie Gray today revealed he is relishing the prospect of getting his third Scotland cap in the crackling atmosphere of Croke Park tomorrow.

The Glasgow Warriors lock was called into Andy Robinson’s squad on Wednesday and is set to make his third appearance off the bench in this season’s RBS Six Nations against Triple-crown chasing Ireland, who are playing their last match at the historic ground.

And the 20-year-old admits that the intensity of Six Nations competition is another step up from the Magners League and is benefiting his game hugely.

Gray said: “I think the difference when you play in the Six Nations is there in so many respects. For a start, everything is so much more intense and the pace that the game is played at is immense.

“On top of that, you are playing against full internationals who have been at the top of the European game for years, so you have no option but to be at your best.

“That means that the level of concentration you need to apply is that bit more and although I have come on as a sub in the games with France and Wales, it still takes a bit of time to adjust.

“But I have absolutely no doubt that my game will benefit from the experience I have gained over the two appearances.

“With this being the last rugby international to be played at Croke Park and the Irish going for the Triple Crown, the atmosphere will be unbelievable.”

He added: “That is another factor we will have to deal with tomorrow. But everyone is very focused and we know that if we don’t beat the Irish we will be left with the wooden spoon.”

Gray’s inclusion is a knock-on effect of the injury that has sidelined Nathan Hines and the 6ft 10in Warrior will almost certainly be introduced in the second half to help the Scots pack as they bid to smash the Irish forwards into submission.

While many observers believe the Irish pack is possibly the weakest in the tournament, Gray is dismissive of that suggestion.

With Glasgow facing Magners League champions Munster a week today, Gray is also looking to set down a marker against the Munster men in the Irish pack like Lions skipper Paul O’Connell.

He said: “Of course we will be looking to get the better of the Irish pack at the set-piece, but I think to say they are the weakest in the Six Nations is unfair.

“When you have guys like O’Connell and Donncha O’Callaghan in your forwards, then you not only have physicality but vast experience.

“These guys are certainly going to make it very tough for us at the line-out, but we have been strong in both areas over the tournament so far and hopefully that can continue.”

Gray added: “With Glasgow at Munster next Friday, the chance to get on and have a go at the likes of O’Connell and O’Callaghan would be great.

“It would be a plus to lay down a marker for that one and help Scotland to a famous win in the process.”

Win, lose, or draw, Gray admits his voyage of RBS Six Nations discovery has give him more than he could have asked for.

He said: “If anyone had offered me appearances against France, Wales and, hopefully, Ireland at Croke Park before the tournament, I would have bitten their hand off.

“It has just been a fantastic experience and hopefully we can end the tournament with the win we are desperate for.”