Conor O'Shea wants to end Harlequins' long wait for silverware as all eyes turn to next Friday's Amlin Challenge Cup final.

Quins have not won a trophy since triumphing in the same competition seven years ago and, having upset Irish giants Munster in the semi-final, will be confident of another shock against Stade Francais in the final.

"Seven years is a long time for this club to have waited," said director of rugby Conor O'Shea.

"These are the games the guys want to be playing in and the games the supporters want to be going to so we cannot wait.

"It may not be the Heineken Cup but it is a European final and we have had to beat Wasps, Munster and Bayonne to get here and now we have Stade Francais, those are some top teams.

"It is the ultimate test and we must have done something right to get in the final."

Quins rounded off their league season with a disappointing 16-13 loss to Saracens at the Stoop which saw them finish seventh, two points off a Heineken Cup qualification spot.

They could still secure a place in Europe's premier competition with victory against Francais or if Northampton win this season's final against Leinster on May 21.

Chris Robshaw scored Quins' try in the 77th minute on Saturday and although O'Shea was disappointed with the final league position, he was excited for the future.

"We want to be up challenging the top four, not where are we," he said.

"But to have been within a score of all but three of the games we have lost this season shows what massive strides we have taken.

"We feel we put into the pitch better than we get out but people can see the progress we have made as a group.

"The young players we have have gained a great deal of experience this year and will be together for the next two or three years minimum.

"They were competitive this year so imagine what they will be like with all the experience of this season behind them and of playing at places like Thomond Park.

"This club wants to be in the Heineken Cup and wants to win silverware and we have the opportunity to do both on Friday."

Friday: Harlequins v Stade Francais (Amlin Challenge Cup, Cardiff City Stadium, 7.45pm).