NEWPORT Gwent Dragons are targeting a place in the Heineken Cup next season, insists returning Wales player Ceri Sweeney ahead of Saturday's tough Celtic League clash against leaders Ulster at Ravenhill.

Sweeney took encouragement from the Dragons recent form when they beat Leinster and went desperately close against Munster in Cork, losing by just two points after having a pair of tries disallowed, both of which looked legitimate.

"We feel we are better than our position in the table shows. But we can't be negative, we're a good young side coming together and we're hoping for a good run to push ourselves up the table," said Sweeney, now recovered after being kept out of the Six Nations with a recurrence of a groin injury.

"We have got to be playing in Europe and we hope to come back from Ulster with a good result. The last time we played in Ireland was one of the most disappointing games I've ever played in (the Munster match).

"We came off with two tries not awarded, which could come back to bite us at the end of the season, we really should have won comfortably.

"But in our last game against Leinster the boys got a chance and took it. They are knocking on the door which can only be a good headache for Paul and for me.

"It doesn't get much tougher than Ulster at Ravenhill. Their number 10 (outside half David Humphreys) is an icon out there, his kicking and control are so good that we've got to try to stop him playing.

"He can kick from anywhere, he's a danger man and we've got to control him. He's capable of scoring 25 points in a game."

Sweeney says he is ready to resume playing. "It's been really frustrating for the past six weeks watching others train and play in the Six Nations," he admitted.

"I had complete rest for three weeks with no running just concentrating on upper body work and weights, but I'm looking forward to giving my all now and enjoying it again. I'm feeling pretty strong."

l The Dragons are offering fans the chance to watch the last four home games at a reduced rate.

When fans buy tickets for the next two home league games against Munster and Cardiff Blues on April 7 and 19 they can claim a half-price ticket for the Glasgow or Edinburgh games.

They can also take someone to the two Scottish matches for half price by handing in special voucher five for Glasgow and six for Edinburgh.

* The Dragons are holding Easter skills camps at Rodney Parade for ages eight and nine on April 18, 10 and 11 on April 20 and 12 to 14 on April 21.

It costs £17.50 a day and youngsters will develop skills from the region's community development officers and meet some Dragons players.