Magners League table-toppers Ulster begin their assault on the Heineken Cup's Pool 5 on Saturday afternoon when Toulouse vist Ravenhill. See below for pre-match quotes from Ulster coach Mark McCall.

MARK MCCALL (On his injury worries): "We will know better in a few days' time. There are still a few minor doubts over Simon (Best), Paul (Steinmetz), Tommy (Bowe) and Andrew (Trimble), whose hamstring was very tight following the Cardiff game last Saturday.

However, as far as Simon is concerned, he has done everything he can do to get ready. He's on a schedule, and all the hard work he has done with our medical team has paid off. His rehab has been nothing short of superb.

"This was always around about the target date for Simon. Maybe seven or eight weeks ago we didn't think he would make it but over the last four or five weeks, he has done brilliantly alongside Gareth Robinson and Phil Morrow."

...Ulster out-half David Humphreys does a TV interview...

MARK MCCALL (On the Magners League v Heineken Cup): "It's a step up, there's no doubt about that. Every competition has raised the bar. The Magners League is a lot more competitive, and the Heineken Cup is no different.

"We've a tough start to our campaign, with Toulouse at home, and then two away dates with the Llanelli Scarlets and London Irish. So that's a massive challenge."

...McCall talks to the press...

MARK MCCALL (On Toulouse): "A lot of people are writing off Toulouse because they had a bad start to the season, but we have tapes of their last three games, and I can tell you, they are in rude health, and remain a very dangerous side if you let them play.

"We must take the game to them, and not sit back. We must keep them on the back foot. They have big names throughout their team, so they will be travelling with the usual air of confidence. But we fancy our chances and we expect to win the match."

...Ulster forwards coach Allen Clarke...

ALLEN CLARKE (On Simon Best's recovery): "Simon has been working extremely hard and his rehab has been superb and part of that rehab has been an introduction to the scrummaging aspect of the game and he is confident at the moment.

"He has prepared as much as any other player and he has been through it technically as well as on the scrummaging machine, but the technical work is probably the key aspect combined with his fitness."

**All photos by Darren Kidd for Press Eye/Inpho Photography**