WE can challenge for the Celtic League title again this season, insists Newport Gwent Dragons threequarter Hal Luscombe ahead of tomorrow night's game against champions Llanelli Scarlets at Rodney Parade.

He recalls how the Dragons lost to the Scarlets, Neath Swansea Ospreys and Celtic Warriors last season, so Saturday's opening defeat at the Arms Park should not be taken too much to heart, says Luscombe.

"We won all our Celtic League home games and a couple away so that we challenged for top spot. If we do the same this time we'll be in a similar position," he said.

"Last season we played against Cardiff when they had all their World Cup players missing. We do have a strong squad, but so do Cardiff and we still looked the most threatening.

"They had two charged down tries and they won, but we played really well.

"There is a lot of room for improvement, so it's not fair to compare us with last season.

"The main goal is to win all our home games, create a fortress Rodney Parade again and win a couple away. "I don't want to say we're under pressure on Friday night or we won't perform. We want to go out and play rugby and if that is the attitude their will be no problems."

Luscombe has hit the ground running this season, starring for the Dragons from the off, carrying on from his three Test appearances against Argentina and South Africa for Wales this summer.

"Wales ended last season with a lot of injuries, and I count myself lucky but I played in all three Tests and I hope I made an impact on Mike Ruddock," he said.

"It was fantastic to win the second Test against Argentina and win the way we did, and to play against South Africa was a dream.

"I'm very happy now at outside centre, though I always felt I could play wing or centre, but I've learnt a lot from Scott Johnson."