The Wales fly-half has miss-fired in front of goal during the opening weeks of the Scarlets’ season.
But he knows he will need to be on target as the region get their Heineken Cup campaign underway at Stade Marcel Michelin.
“The goal-kicking has been bitterly disappointing for me,” said Priestland.
“It’s just my concentration in games goes and I don’t do the things I do in training.
“That’s what really bugs me – I don’t mind missing kicks if I’ve done everything I can do. I get frustrated after I kick the ball and I know I haven’t done what I’ve practiced all week.”
But while he insists his poor form with the boot does not affect his all round game, he has called on the expertise Wales kicking guru Neil Jenkins.
“I’ve seen Jenks a few times. He’s always got good advice to give and I’ve been working on some things with him – hopefully I can show them on the field,” added the 25-year-old.
“But I don’t think it affects the rest of my game. Goal-kicking is a totally separate to the rest of the game.”
Clermont have not lost a European match in Montferrand since succumbing to Sale Sharks in 2008. Priestland expects a fierce challenge but insists the Llanelli-based outfit have developed a tough mental edge.
“Clermont don’t lose too often at home. If a team is going to beat them there they are going to have to do something very special.
“We are under no illusions. We know it’s one of the toughest games you can have in the Heineken Cup.
“But we know we can compete with anyone. The intensity is going to get higher but we have moved forwards and we are mentally stronger.
“We’ve all grown up watching the Scarlets when they beat Toulouse away and we’ve watched clips of Llanelli winning domestic cups with the supporters on the field.
“That’s great but as a group we’ve really got to move this team forward.
“It’d great to have the history the Scarlets have got and we are all very proud of that heritage but we have got to try and make our history as well.
“That heritage we’ve got doesn’t really count for anything unless you go on and move the team forward. We will try and do it this weekend.
“We are under no illusions, we are massive underdogs in this group.
“But hopefully go out to Clermont and play with the intent and skill levels we can and get something out of the game.”
