I PROBABLY won't know until tomorrow if I will be fit to face Newcastle in the big European semi-final.

Against Bath, I got quite a bad cut and a nasty dead leg, but there has been an improvement this week. I'd say it's 50-50, but I don't want to really try it out at the moment in case I suffer a set-back.

I would be devastated if I missed the game, but I am not even considering that - it is not in my mindset because I will give myself every chance to be fit.

We have respected this competition from the start, which has been proved by us reaching the last four. In terms of how big a game this is for the club, it is not comparable with the huge final-day-of-the-season relegation deciders we've had in the past.

This game is equally as big, but in a different way - it is about us moving forward as a team as well as making a success of our season.

We have to respect Newcastle especially as the margins between success and failure at this level are so small - it is a cup semi and they are never won easily.

If their best 15 players are motivated on that pitch, they will be very hard to beat.

We will have the big home advantage tomorrow night and that can make such a difference as Sixways is a great place to play.

What is certain is that we will get 100 per cent out of every single guy in a Warriors shirt as we are driven by winning.

If we can go on to win the competition, we will qualify for the Heineken Cup. That is certainly the level we want to be playing at, but first things first - we must concentrate on tomorrow night's game.

We can't worry too much about next season at the moment.

What I thought was telling in the Bath game was the motivations of the two sides. We were very disappointed to lose, but to be so competitive against a team with everything to play for in the league when we are supposedly just playing for pride and league position says a lot about us as a team.

Although Miles Benjamin is a great finisher, it is dangerous to push him forward too quickly. You have to remember he has only been playing first team rugby for one year. But it is clear to see he has bags of talent and he also has the right attitude.

His talent is clearly impressive but, to me, what is more impressive is his attitude and willingness to learn.

Defensively, Dale Rasmussen is the most important player in our team and it is a massive boost to have him back for tomorrow night's game. He leads us defensively and his structures and communication allow Sammy (Tuitupou) to go out and make the big tackles.

As players, we certainly know the value of Dale Rasmussen and appreciate having him alongside us.

There has been plenty of speculation as to who we will bring in to replace Shane Drahm when he leaves at the end of this year.

I'm sure whoever we bring in will be a top class number 10, but it is important to look within the squad we have already too.

Joey Carlisle is a class player with so much talent - he is probably the best passer we have got in the squad. Shane's are big boots to fill, but there is masses of talent in the squad and you shouldn't rule out Joey.