Sale's livewire star Jason Robinson is well aware that his side will need a big performance if they are to secure a place in this year's Parker Pen Shield Final.

The Sharks travel to Franklin's Gardens tomorrow to face Gloucester, a side that has put 86 points past them in two games this season.

But Robinson believes the challenge of overcoming the Cherry and Whites is just the motivation his side need to reach their first ever European final.

"It's an important game. They've trounced us in the last couple of games we've played against them so we really need a big performance," he said.

"It's another opportunity to get into Europe and get to a final. Hopefully we'll put in a semi-final performance and get there but I'm sure Gloucester will have something to say about that."

Sale are battling with Gloucester and London Irish for second spot in the Zurich Premiership and were beaten by the Kingsholm side 42-14 only last month.

"It's probably a good thing," added Robinson, who was this week nominated for the PRA Players' Player of the Year award.

"If we need any motivation, there it is. What better way to respond than by putting in a good performance? It's on a neutral ground and it's a cup game so anything can happen."

However, since that win Gloucester have looked shaky, losing three of their last five and shipping 185 points in the meantime.

Last time out Nigel Melville's side were forced to score 41 just to edge a one-point victory over Bristol.

But Robinson disregards such statistics, because with game-winning stars and a powerful pack he believes Gloucester are more than capable of posing a major threat.

"When it comes to the cup, form goes out of the window," he said.

"Gloucester are a very good side and one or two disappointing results for them doesn't make them a bad side. They'll be determined as well to put in a good performance."

This Sale side has already made history in reaching the quarter-finals, and with Heineken Cup qualification available through a Shield victory or a top-four finish in the league, Robinson is excited about what the future holds at Heywood Road.

"One of the main targets for us has been Europe," he said.

"It's such a big thing for the club and the players to challenge yourself against the best in Europe would be great for the club and the sponsors.

"We have the opportunity now to progress and to reach the final would be great for the club.

"It's great now. We've got the fans behind, I'm personally excited about these last couple of games."

The club were given a major boost last week when head coach Jim Mallinder and his assistant Steve Diamond both penned two-year contract extensions.

They were joined by a number of key players, including club captain Bryan Redpath who turned down the chance of a move to European champions Leicester.

And with the club promising further announcements, Robinson believes they are firmly on their way to being one of rugby's major powers.

"It has been a massive boost with Bryan Redpath and the likes of Mark Cueto, Scott Lines and Jim Mallinder - it means we can build on what we've achieved so far.

"The more players we can bring to the club and keep at the club the better for all concerned.

"Hopefully we can keep building and turn this place into a really top club and we're not that far away from that."