With his Ireland contingent returning unscathed from international duty, Ulster coach Matt Williams is in bullish mood ahead of the Magners League derby clash with Connacht at Ravenhill on Friday.

The Australian welcomes Rory Best, Paddy Wallace and Stephen Ferris back from Declan Kidney's squad.

All three got game time but Ferris, in particular, enhanced his reputation with solid performances against Canada and Argentina.

Ryan Caldwell and Tom Court, who were also named in extended Ireland squads, are included as well.

Ulster are coming off the back of wins over Portugal, Cardiff Blues A and a 22-6 league win over Munster. Williams is confident his side can pick up where they left off but is wary of the threat posed by bottom side Connacht, who could move ahead of the northerners with their first win at Ravenhill since 1960.

"We have a lot of respect for Connacht, they are a good side and play a hard game of rugby but we are more determined than ever and we are going out to win," said the Australian today.

"We have performed well in our last few games; we won our last two Magners League games and beat a spirited Munster side. We will not hide from this Connacht side.

"The guys are hungry to play and continue on from the Munster and Portugal games and we hope that the Ulster Rugby public know how much this game means to us and get out and support us."

Ulster Squad

Forwards: Justin Fitzpatrick, Rory Best, Nigel Brady, Tom Court, Brendan Botha, Ed O'Donoghue, Ryan Caldwell, Matt McCullough, Kieron Dawson, Robbie Diack, Stephen Ferris, David Pollock, Thomas Anderson

Backs: Niall O'Connor, Bryn Cunningham, Timoci Nagusa, Darren Cave, Andrew Trimble, Ian Whitten, Cillian Willis, Isaac Boss, Paul Steinmetz, Ian Humphreys, Mark McCrea, Paddy Wallace, Simon Danielli