Sale Sharks new signing Mathew Tait has challenged his team mates to reach the Premiership semi-finals and knockout stages of the Heineken Cup this season.

The England utility back moved to Edgely Park from Newcastle Falcons, where he retuns in Sharks’ colours on Sunday to kick the new season off.

While Tait’s former club is being tipped for relegation, he has already declared what he is aiming for with his new side.

“Top four and to qualify from our Heineken Cup Group,” he said when asked what the minimum requirement is for the Sharks this season.

The fomer Barnard Castle schoolboy is determined to disappoint his former fans as the Sharks go looking to end their losing streak in the North East.

Kingston Park is the only ground in the Guinness Premiership where the Sharks have never tasted victory and former Falcon Tait admittted the club is still close to his heart.

“It was difficult at Newcastle last season with everything going on, on and off the pitch,” said Tait.

“I was ready for a change and just want the games to get started. Newcastle will be the first result I look for. I spent nearly five years there so I’ll always keep an eye on what’s going on up there.

“My focus is now on Sale Sharks and helping them fulfil their ambitions. It will seem strange going back and it would be interesting if I lined up against Alex (my brother). I don’t think my mum will be going to Kingston Park for the game, I think she will stay at home.”

The Sharks endured a miserable campaign with injuries last season and blew a top four place on the final day with defeat to London Irish at home. This season, Tait has challenegd his new team mates to fulfil their potential.

He said: “On paper we have an excellent squad and it’s up to us on the pitch. With the players they had here and the players they have signed, it was clear to me that the club was moving in the right direction and I wanted to be part of that.”