Scrum-half Hodgson arrived at London Irish in 2004

London Irish scrum-half Paul Hodgson has said the Exiles must play to their full potential to beat Saracens in the Aviva Premiership on Saturday.

The Exiles start their season at Twickenham in the first part of the London double-header.

Hodgson told BBC Berkshire: "They are a very dangerous side who are very potent so they will be difficult to overcome.

"We will all have to be at our best to compete, everyone must bring their A game," he added.

Hodgson added that he believes London Irish have the ability to improve on last season's standing of sixth in the Premiership.

I do have my own goals and my own ambitions this year but I will just try and play as well as I can for London Irish Paul Hodgson

"We're very capable of being there or thereabouts come the end of the season," he said.

"Obviously the way the league is structured, you have to finish in the top four to qualify for the play-offs and I believe we are definitely able to achieve that."

Hodgson added: "We have a squad that has plenty of depth, we have young players coming through and new signings that have strengthened us.

"This means we have two or three players fighting for each position so we know that in any game this season, we'll put out a strong side that is very competitive."

Although the 2011 Rugby World Cup looms at the end of the season, Hodgson said he was adamant that his sole focus is with London Irish, not with England.

"I want to just concentrate on looking after my game at club level.

He continued: "I do have my own goals and my own ambitions this year but I will just try and play as well as I can for London Irish."

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