Lou Reed is determined that Cardiff Blues will put some 'pride back in the shirt' when they face Ulster Rugby at the Arms Park on Saturday (kick-off 6.30pm) - as the lock star prepares to celebrate a memorable milestone on home soil.
Wales international Reed will clock up his 100th game in the RaboDirect PRO12 when he runs out on Saturday evening.
The second row giant admits news that he will join the 100 Club – after spells at Scarlets and Blues - had come as a surprise.
But his focus remains on not personal glory but instead team performance as Blues look to banish the memory of the manner of derby day defeat to the Ospreys last week.
“Friday night’s performance at Ospreys didn’t show how hard we work here,” he said. “This week we have regrouped, we have come together as a squad and said we can’t allow that to happen again.
“We are looking to build in a performance and put some pride back into the shirt.
“Ulster are a great outfit and I’m glad to be back in these games because these games are the ones you want to play in. Ulster have world class players; it’s a big challenge for us as a squad and to see what kind of characters we have here.
“As a player you put your boots on and get on with it, you lose track of the numbers after a while so I didn’t know about the century,” he added.
“I don’t pay much attention to the numbers I just rock up; it’s going to be another game for me.”
Reed has also spoken about his delight that team-mate Matthew Rees will return to the squad adding: “It’s great news Smiler back; he is a massive part of the team and the squad.
“We have all seen how his treatment has affected him and how he has come through it. He is champing at the bit to get back out there and show everyone what he has overcome.
“I was out for about 16 weeks this season with my big toe, it was the worse injury I have ever had. It’s surprising how much it is needed. A lot of people think that you can just strap the big toe up but you have to rehab it back to a solid state.
“It was a long 16 weeks for me, but having Matthew next me help put things into prospective for me.
“It will be Matthew’s first game back and you have to take inspiration from him, what he has achieved and overcome.”
Tickets remain on sale NOW to watch Blues tackle Ulster Rugby in the RaboDirect PRO12 at the Arms Park. Call 02920 302030 or click HERE to buy online.