Flatman is returning to top form after a recent run of injuries

Bath prop-forward David Flatman has played down suggestions that the crowd will have an impact when they face Ulster in the Heineken Cup on Friday.

It is Bath's opening fixture and the Ravenhill ground has long been regarded as a tough place for visiting teams.

"If we're honest it's nice to rock-star it up but no grounds are intimidating," Flatman told BBC Radio Bristol.

"They can shout all they want but you rarely here it with your head halfway up your backside."

Despite their indifferent form in the Guinness Premiership with just one win in five games, Bath are approaching the game in a positive frame of mind.

"We don't have a home and away rule in the Heineken Cup," said the 29-year-old England international.

"We're going out to win and it would be great to sneak a victory out there and go into the Stade Francais game with a bit of momentum."

Ulster have made a good start to their season in the Magners League and are currently sitting in second place.

They have a number of international stars in their squad including Ireland and British Lion flanker Stephen Ferris and Scotland winger Simon Danielli.

"Very impressive has been [fly-half] Humphreys who kicks very well and runs the show very well," admitted Flatman.

"Paddy Wallace at 12 is a very good playmaker and quite a threat down the middle. And up front, BJ Botha is probably their cornerstone and scrummages very well."

Bath won the Heineken Cup in 1998 and reached the quarter-finals last year before being edged out by eventual runners-up Leicester Tigers.

"We haven't hit our straps yet but we know what kind of rugby we can play," Flatman said.

"If we go out there with intent but smiling and enjoying it, that's when Bath play at their best."

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