Harlequins are struggling to qualify for next term’s European Cup, but director of rugby Conor O’Shea is confident his men will challenge for the Premiership crown once again.

Quins are eighth in the table with five games remaining, but are nine points off top six and guaranteed top level European competition next season.

Saturday’s stuttering 26-20 derby triumph over London Irish at the Stoop – secured through tries from Danny Care and Matt Hopper to go with 16 points from Nick Evans – ended a run of five straight defeats in all competitions.

O’Shea insists the league situation might have been different had his side won two or three pivotal games during the campaign – namely against Exeter Chiefs and Sale Sharks, both at home.

He says young players like George Merrick, Charlie Matthews, Kyle Sinckler and Jack Clifford are likely to be the players to help Quins become domestic champions again.

And he promised they would be cast from the same mould as those who lifted the title in the club’s finest hour in 2012.

Surrey Comet:

Frustrating year: Conor O'Shea's Harlequins have endured a tough Aviva Premiership season

“After we were knocked out of Europe – despite having won four of our games – we were only two points off the top of the table,” he said.

“We were always going to struggle with the players we have missing during the international period, but the young players who have come in will be a lot stronger for it.

“The age profile of this squad is, on average a year or two younger than the one that lifted the title and it is about getting that balance between youth and experience right.

“That will naturally come over the next couple of years. We operate within the salary cap and cannot just go out and fix things.

“Prior to this season we have had three seasons on consistent success and it hurts to see us where we are at the moment, but we will rise again. This squad is fine and building nicely.

“This season will go right to the wire. It is still incredibly tight and we will try and win every game to get to where we want to be.

“This year has been frustrating, but we will get ready in pre-season and we will get back up there next year.”

Meanwhile, George Lowe has not featured in the starting line-up since pulling out of last month’s defeat at Wasps.

O’Shea insisted at the time it was as a precaution and he expects him to return better than ever.

“He has been in full training, but the concussion he suffered affected his ear canal and he has been told to rest,” he added.

“He must be the most frustrated player ever, because of the injuries he has had, but I would say he is a better player now than he was before his neck injury.”

Centre Jordan Turner-Hall remains troubled by the hip problem that blighted most of his last campaign.