Humphreys central to any revival

Ulster v Glasgow: An aside to today's hostilities on the pitch should be a landmark achievement for Ulster outhalf and talisman David Humphreys. He requires just three points to break the 500-point mark, and become only the second player to do so with Gavin Henson.

If the Irishman can manage seven points he will pass the Welsh star's career Celtic League aggregate of 503 points.

There has been precious little for Ulster to cheer about over the Christmas period following defeats against Leinster at Ravenhill and Connacht in Galway.

While they had opportunities in the first game to win, the loss at the Sportsground would have been a little more disconcerting for coach Mark McCall.

Ulster were well beaten, their performance listless as they failed to match the intensity of the home side. This match offers an opportunity to rekindle that spark that had them in contention for Celtic League honours. They aren't quite on the periphery yet but would be if they lose today.

If the home side are to rediscover their pep, Humphreys is going to be central. Whether drilling the ball into the corners or introducing a wider game with pace, the outhalf is pretty much the barometer of how his team is faring. When Ulster tick, he's invariably clutching the baton.

The home supporters will be hoping Andrew Trimble and Tommy Bowe see plenty of possession. They are both superb broken field runners and it would be good to see them present positive displays with Europe and the Six Nations approaching rapidly.

Paul Steinmetz's absence will mean a more rigid structure in the three-quarter line with his deputy James Topping likely to remain close to the touchlines. Kieran Campbell is another who could do with a top-quality outing, not only to try to fend off the challenge of Issac Boss within the province but cement his place in the national squad.

Up front Matt McCullough hasn't recovered from injury so Rowan Frost gets a second consecutive outing.

The one thing Glasgow will guarantee is they'll keep their opponents honest. The Scottish side play a touchline to touchline game that places a premium on athleticism. Their recent form hasn't been good, however, and their away form is abysmal: one victory since September 2004.

However, they are a better side than that. Much will depend on the mercurial Dan Parks at outhalf and how he fares with his general game as much as his place-kicking.

If Ulster get their attitude right, show patience and precision then they can give themselves the perfect fillip ahead of next Friday night's mouth-watering clash with Biarritz in Belfast.

ULSTER: B Cunningham; T Bowe, K Maggs, A Trimble, J Topping; D Humphreys, K Campbell; B Young, R Best, S Best (capt); J Harrison, R Frost; N Best, N McMillan, R Wilson. Replacements: N Brady, J Fitzpatrick, R Caldwell, S Ferris, I Boss, A Larkin, J Bell.

GLASGOW WARRIORS: G Staniforth; H O'Hare, G Morrison, A Henderson, R Lamont; D Parks, G Beveridge; K Tkachuk, S Lawson, E Murray; T Barker, C Hamilton; S Swindall, J Petrie (capt), J Beattie. Replacements: F Thomson, L Harrison, D Turner, J Barclay, S Pinder, C Gregor, M Roberts.

Referee: Phil Fear (Wales).

Recent head-to-heads: September 2003 (CL), at Ravenhill: Ulster 33 Glasgow Warriors 6; November 2003 (CC), at Hughenden: Glasgow Warriors 13 Ulster 20; February 2004 (CL), at Hughenden: Glasgow Warriors 27 Ulster 25; October 2004 (CL), at Hughenden: Glasgow Warriors 34 Ulster 20; March 2005 (CL) at Ravenhill: Ulster 30 Glasgow Warriors 3.

Leading points scorers: Ulster - David Humphreys 105. Glasgow - Dan Parks 60.

Leading try scorers: Ulster - Andrew Trimble 4. Glasgow - Rory Lamont 4.