ROB Higgitt is urging his new Scarlets team-mates to be on their guard when the Guinness Premiership's bottom-club Bristol visit Stradey Park on Friday in the EDF Energy Cup.

Bristol had lost seven games on the trot before they claimed their maiden win of the season last Friday against Toulon.

But centre Higgitt, who joined Llanelli from Bristol during the summer, believes Richard Hill's men are a better team than their league placing suggests.

He said: "It is going to be a very tough match for us. Bristol are a very strong team. They pose threats right across the board.

"All their Premiership matches have been close this season. They lost to Sale by three points and when I was at the Memorial Stadium earlier this month they were unlucky not to win against Saracens.

"Whatever team Bristol put out we know they will be competitive. They played well last week and nearly got a bonus point. Toulon are an up and coming, good French team. Bristol will be disappointed that they have not claimed more wins but I am sure more victories will come soon."

Higgitt has won four starts out of five matches for the Scarlets in the Magners' League this season.

He has been relegated to the replacements for the Heineken Cup defeats against Harlequins and Stade Francais.

But he is hoping to be back in the starting line-up for a poignant clash with his former club.

Higgitt added: "Our team selection isn't made until later in the week but, fingers crossed, I can get some game time.

"I have a lot of good friends at Bristol and they are my old club. It's always good to play against your former club. It brings an added spice to the occasion.

"This will be a good opportunity to represent the Scarlets. Obviously I have moved to a new club but it has been good opportunity for me to get some game time. I have enjoyed the chances I have had."

Higgitt, who also played for Bristol Under-21s, was so determined to have a career at the Memorial Stadium he played the first few months of his senior rugby career for nothing.

And, after forcing his way into the side during that National Division One campaign, the 27-year-old then became one of the first names on Hill's team sheet.

But Higgitt, who is 11th on Bristol's record all time league appearance charts with 85, says he is happy at his new club.

He added: "I have enjoyed it. Having been so long at Bristol, it has been good to go to the Scarlets."

Places are available on the Bristol Supporters Club coaches travelling to Stradey Park. They leave at 3.30pm from Temple Meads and 4pm at the TA Centre in Horfield. To book your place contact Mike West on 0117 9683964.