NEWPORT Gwent Dragons are on the right track, they are chasing end-of-season silverware and the future of the region is bright. That is the optimistic forecast of Dragons captain Jason Forster.

He does not believe end-of-season departures will make any difference to the performances of the team, is delighted so many players have re-signed and is an old friend of Paul Turner, soon to be officially announced as new Dragons coach.

But before then the Dragons are aiming for some success in the Celtic Cup, starting with tonight's quarter-final against Welsh rivals Llanelli Scarlets.

"We want to try to finish the season with some silverware, it's the last bite of the cherry this season and hopefully it's going to be a humdinger and a great spectacle," he said.

"The Scarlets will be a great challenge. It's a one-off, we've been playing well recently and we've got a home draw.

"They want to finish on a high, so it'll be a typical Welsh derby and a fierce fight up front, which will determine the outcome.

"Kevin Morgan is on fire and hopes to keep scoring tries, and people forget a lot of players joined at the start of the season and it takes time to get the right spirit and attitude.

"But it all bodes well for next season. You've got to have continuity and we're going in the right direction.

"It is difficult behind the scenes now and again, but we're at the cutting edge of professional sport and we've got to get on with it.

"We're disappointed not to achieve our goals this season, but we expect it to stand us in good stead and we'll be wiser and more streetwise next season.

"Europe is cut-throat and you've got to be consistent to achieve your goals. But we've got world-class players who are regularly in the Welsh team, and a couple of British Lions who want to achieve things and are ambitious.

"They're not here to be with the boys, they're here to try to win."

Forster gives his backing to Welsh involvement in the Powergen Cup with top English sides which is currently being discussed.

"You always want to play against the best and the fans want to watch the cream of English and Welsh teams," he said.

"You're only going to improve when you play against them. They've always said they've got the best league and our national team is on a high, though the regions are still in their infancy, so I think we can follow on, we haven't reached our full potential yet.

"We can put ourselves in line with the biggest clubs in the Zurich Premiership. Teams like Gloucester coming here would be great, fans would see British Lions on their doorstep - you've got to sell the game, it's all razamatazz now, but it's a serious game as well."