Trimble centre stage for Glasgow clash

IRELAND’S Andrew Trimble is poised to wear the number 13 jersey when Ulster travel to face Glasgow on Saturday hoping to maintain their three-point advantage at the top of the Magners League.

Trimble, who started out as a centre before reverting to the flanks last season, looks certain to replace Kevin Maggs and also fill the hole originally left by Paddy Wallace who will be utilised to play fly-half in the absence of the injured David Humphreys.

Ulster coach Mark McCall, however, is also awaiting a fitness report on full-back Bryn Cunningham who missed the defeat by Leinster last weekend due to a back injury. If Cunningham fails to come through then Mark Bartholomeusz will continue at full-back with youngster Paul McKenzie on the left wing.

McCall has added Adam Larkin to his squad in the only change from last week’s squad.

Saturday’s visit to Hughenden will act as a spur to Ulster who are hoping to use the game as a springboard for the recommencement of the Heineken Cup campaign the following week with assistant coach Allen Clarke hoping to see the players step up a gear.

“We have won seven of our last 10 games, and we are still top of the league,” he said.

“However our match and the manner of defeat against London Irish last month was extremely disappointing, and in our win against Connacht at Ravenhill two weeks ago wasn’t the prettiest.

“But there again, no teams have had it easy against Connacht. They are the type of team that make you work extremely hard for anything.

“However, I thought we showed signs of us coming back to form against Leinster on Sunday. Winning breeds confidence so we need to get back on that trail. We need to start to perform well again by doing the little things right and cutting out the silly errors that have crept into our game.

“Certainly Glasgow will not be pushovers. They have won six on the bounce at Hughenden. But I firmly believe we have the players, the system in place and the firepower to go over there and cause them problems

“We are going to have to be on our game to keep our heads in front of the title race. Obviously a good performance will set us up for the game against Llanelli at Ravenhill the following week, but that will take care of itself. This week’s game is our sole focus.”

Ulster Squad (Backs): K Campbell, I Boss, A Larkin, P Wallace, K Maggs, P Steinmetz, A Trimble, P McKenzie, M Bartholomeusz, B Cunningham, T Bowe.

(Forwards): S Best (captain), B Young, J Fitzpatrick, R Best, P Shields, J Harrison, M McCullough, T Barker, R Wilson, N Best, K Dawson, N McMillan.