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Page last updated at 16:03 GMT, Thursday, 11 December 2008

Lock Gough targets European glory

HEINEKEN CUP POOL THREE
Venue: Monigo Stadium Date: Saturday, 13 December Kick-off: 1335 GMT
Coverage: Live commentary on BBC Radio Wales and online, watch live on Sky Sports 2 interactive and live score updates on BBC Sport website

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Ian Gough hopes his 2007 move to the Ospreys will pay off this season in the shape of Heineken Cup success.

The Wales lock says one of the reasons he joined from Newport Gwent Dragons at the start of last season was to pursue European glory.

Gough said: "I wanted a bite of the big cherry and this team and management as whole unit, that's what their aim is and what my aim is too."

He added: "We've just got to try and get up that ladder and try to do it."

The Ospreys travel to Treviso on Saturday determined to follow through on their 68-8 demolition of the Italian club at Liberty Stadium last weekend.

606: DEBATE
But he says Treviso can be expected to attempt to regain some self-respect following their 10-try drubbing in a tournament renowned for its ferocity.

"It's absolutely ferocious and great rugby to watch for a supporter too," said Gough.

"We're expecting a backlash from them [Treviso]. They're a good team and didn't quite show it last weekend against us.

"I can't imagine what their training has been like this week. I've been in teams that have lost by a big score and it's not much fun so they won't want to go through that training again next week.

"I'm sure they're preparing to really put up a fight against us and a really big display against us.

"I played [against Treviso] for Pontypridd quite a few years ago now and I think they did the double on us, which is surprising.

"They played very well out there. They've got a few foreign players in their team as well� and if you turn up and you're not on the money, they can cause an upset."

Gough, who has this week belatedly received his 50th Heineken Cup appearance cap, makes his 52nd tournament appearance in the clash at Stade Monigo.

He said: "All these years I've been playing I didn't realise how many [Heineken Cup] appearances I was racking up so to have a phone call this week to say I'd surpassed the 50-mark and a cap was being awarded was a great honour and something that made me wake up a bit more sprightly in the morning."

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see also
Treviso v Ospreys (Sat)
11 Dec 08 |  Rugby Union
Ospreys 68-8 Benetton Treviso
06 Dec 08 |  Rugby Union
Ospreys recruit Phillips & Gough
25 Apr 07 |  Ospreys
Heineken Cup 2008/9
17 Jul 08 |  Rugby Union


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