Ugo Monye has picked out new signings Gonzalo Tiesi and Nick Evans as Harlequins' key men this season.

Monye will hope to have a big part to play himself after bagging a hat-trick of tries in Quins pre-season 64-6 romp over Italian side Parma on Saturday.

But the winger identified Evans and Tiesi as being the main players if Quins are to get their season, which starts against Saracens on Saturday, off to a flier.

He said: "We've brought in a few players who might be under the radar in the Premiership, but that's all the better for us.

"Gonzalo Tiesi is a hard boy. He reads the game very well in defence and attack, doesn't miss tackles and has got great handling skills.

"Nick Evans is a world class number 10 with all the ability of a back three player, but with the game control, passing and kicking skills that you would associate with a top fly-half.

"He' s such a complete player that he will bring out the best in this team.

"They have fitted in really well and could have a major say into how far we make an impact in the Premiership."

But Monye warned his Quins teammates not to underestimate Saracens.

The north London side had a poor seasaon last term, finishing eighth - two places behind Quins and well out of the play-offs shake-up.

But with summer signings like Steve Borthwick and Wikus van Heerden, plus former Wallabies head coach Eddie Jones in the Vicarage Road hot-seat, Monye knows just how how tough it will be in the Twickenham London DoubleHeader.

He said: "You can't take Saracens lightly, that's for sure. But if we're going to be up there we need a good start to the season.

"Two from two at home in the friendlies is a great start.

"This week it's going to be a lot tougher, of course, but it was good to get the new guys involved and get Quins working in the way we want to play. "So far, so good - but the real business starts this week. Everyone's aim is to get into the top four. The Premiership is so competitive, and it is impossible to look too far ahead.

"Ten months of beautiful sunshine and playing at the Stoop would be outstanding but we know what it's like playing in the Premiership.

"We've got a great squad, very athletic, all with a very good skill level, but come November to March it won't be the same, and there are some tricky places to go.

"But we adapted quite well last year and gained a lot of good experience."

Monye also knows a good season with Quins will keep him in the England spotlight, having starred in the Saxons' Churchill Cup win this summer.

He added: "I had a successful tour with the Saxons. It was disappointing not to start in Montreal at the start of the tour, but it was nice to come on and make an impact.

"But I'm back at Quins, and if I want to develop on the international scene I'm going to have to keep playing well here.

"I had a good positive conversation with Stuart Lancaster, Brian Smith and Martin Johnson. It's nice to get some good feedback, but its going to count for nothing if I can't start doing it when we come up against the big boys this Saturday."

Quins versus Saracens kicks off at Twickenham at 5pm on Saturday after London Irish versus Wasps.

They will return to Twickers on Saturday, December 27, when their Premiership clash with Leicester Tigers is played there to open up the game to a 50,000 capacity crowd. Tickets will go on general sale via www.thebiggame.co.uk from September 15.