DECLAN AIMS TO GET A RETURN FROM FORMER CLUB.

Byline: BRIAN DICK

PRODIGAL prop Declan Fitzpatrick returns to Moseley on Friday determined to put one over his best mate.

The former Mose colt is hoping to be part of the Ulster side that rolls up at Billesley Common in the British and Irish Cup.

And while the fixture might not mean much to many of the visitors, it will have a special resonance for Fitzpatrick.

The Redditch-born front-rower not only came through the Red and Black ranks he still has connections with the club.

Although he was lured to Ravenhill by a full-time contract in 2002, the 26-year-old is still close to Moseley stalwart Adam Caves.

In fact he is godfather to Caves' two-yearold daughter and is still in regular contact with his old pal.

And the old boys' network will be tighter than usual on Friday night with tight-head Fitzpatrick set to be thrown into direct confrontation with Caves.

"Because Rory Best is injured I played hooker against Munster A last week," Fitzpatrick said.

"I told Adam I might be playing hooker the other day and he's even more excited now.

"He's been trash talking already.

"He's looking forward to Friday but I think he is more interested in playing against me than Ulster."

That enthusiasm stems from the fact the foes and friends lined up together for several years at club and county level.

"When we were younger we were always stuck together, we are very alike.

Competitive "We've always kept in touch. He is a good lad but I will look forward to having a go at him.

"There'll be no animosity or anything snide, just a good old battle with a real competitive edge."

But aside from the banter the former IrelandAprop recognises howmuch Caves has achieved at Moseley.

Aswell as being a vital part of the side that won promotion in 2006, he was also in the team that took the National Trophy at Twickenham.

Indeed he was man of the match that day as he inspired his club to one of the greatest moments in their history.

"He is a quality player that has stood by that club through thick and thin," Fitzpatrick said. "I don't think he is recognised enough for all the hard work he puts in. "He's been a great servant to them and I wish him nothing but success - apart from against me." Fitzpatrick's affection extends beyond his buddy too.

He insists that even though he never played for the first team, the education he was given in Birmingham has stood him in good stead throughout his career.

"I still have a real affection for the club. "I started playing therewhen Iwas 12 and left when I was 18.

"I owe a lot to guys like John Caves, Pete Caves and John Beale, who were fantastic coaches.

"Theywere all very supportive of mewhen my opportunity came with Ulster, they knew how much I wanted to go over and play for Ireland."

He got close to doing that a few summers ago when he was part of the Irish Churchill Cup squad.

But things stalled at UIster under the direction of Matt Williams and having suffered a shoulder injury he managed just one appearance last term.

However, with Williams gone and Brian McLaughlin at the helm, Fitzpatrick has had amuch more promising campaign.

He has played in seven Magners League matches and although they have all been off the bench, he is just happy to be involved again.

"Last yearwas very difficult for me, I didn't get any help from the coaching staff.

"But I am really happy now and Brian McLaughlin really encourages people who work hard.

"The new system is all about bringing through home grown players and there's a really good vibe about the place."

And on a personal and collective note it will be even better if they beat Moseley.

CAPTION(S):

STALWART: Adam Caves. TRIBUTE: Declan Fitzpatrick retains affection for Moseley