Laurent: Big Year For Me

Laurent Courtois says he really has something to prove in the upcoming campaign.

He has only played a scattering of games since his free transfer signing from Toulouse last summer, but is determined to show this time around that he can make a significant contribution to the cause.

"I know that I can't stake a claim to play every game but if I work hard and get better every week I know Glenn will think about me," he says.

"I feel stronger and now I know what the Premiership demands, that is why I can do better than last year, even though that was quite good as well.

"It is the last year of my contract so I need to prove something for myself and the club."

His fitness is picking up, and he adds:

"It is getting better every day and hopefully it will be ready for the opening match."

He is no stranger to playing smaller clubs at this time of year, and he adds:

"We have these games in France, and it is difficult playing against teams from the lower level."

The win over Norwich showed that the squad is picking up the tempo, however, and Laurent adds:

"We are getting better and hopefully we will continue to improve for the next game."

As for his ambitions for the club next season, he says:

"If we can finish the same with more points, I would be happy with that; we would like to play in Europe because you want to play the bigger clubs.

"Maybe we will see Europe next year - hopefully."

"But we have to work hard and be ready for the first game, and we will see after that how the season goes on."