By Julian Shea

McGeechan wants to restore Wasps' European reputation

Wasps director of rugby Ian McGeechan says competition for places has led to a few tempers boiling over in training.

But the Scot sees it as a welcome sign that his team are ready to challenge for the Heineken Cup this season.

"We've had a couple of dust-ups in training, which isn't a bad thing," McGeechan told BBC Sport.

"It shows people are keen and that they realise a few positions aren't 'gimmes'. You hope it forces the person in the jersey to perform."

Wasps failed to get past the group stage of the competition last year in McGeechan's first season at the club.

The former Northampton coach says a lack of depth in his squad was one of the main reasons for the lack of progress.

One of the keys to success is being able to adapt on the day, which we didn't do that well last year Ian McGeechan Wasps director of rugby

"Players were playing week after week which was really hard. This year we've given more players a chance to start," he said.

"We've already rotated the squad, so hopefully we can capitalise on that as a very heavy season moves on.

"What we've got is strength in depth, but it doesn't mean anything unless the person in the starting XV performs.

"You can have all the best back-up you like, but all you hope is that it forces the person in the jersey to perform because he's had to compete to put it on - and that's happening."

McGeechan, who took over from Warren Gatland at the end of 2004/5, says his team are also more flexible in their style of play than last season.

"I'd like to think we can play more than one way," he said.

"One of the keys to success is being able to adapt on the day, which we didn't do that well last year."