The Warriors kick off their Magners League campaign next week when defending champions Munster visit Firhill.

Al told the Evening Times: "We now have a top-four place to shoot for and we are capable of achieving that. But we have got to concentrate on making the best possible start and not look too far ahead.

"We need to make sure we don't have lapses and find a level of consistency. With the competition for places stronger than at any time since I have been here it is hard, even going into our final friendly, to name the 15 that will start a week tonight.

"That is because the new guys, like Peter Murchie, Peter Horne and the like, have fitted in so well and all of them have brought something extra and something new to the table for us.

"Last season we got ourselves into a good position in the first half of the season, but didn't capitalise. This time we are determined to make a good start and then build on it."