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The Cherry and Whites are currently one point behind the reigning French champions Stade Francais Paris in Pool 6 and victory over Ulster at Ravenhill is a must if the English side are to stay in the hunt for a Heineken Cup quarter-final slot.
That's why the return of Vickery is seen as such an important step for a club that has been ravaged by injury problems this season. The return to the starting line-up of the 28-year-old Vickery, who has played only four games this season, will be a considerable morale boost for the team ahead of their final two European Pool games against Ulster and Stade Francais Paris.
"This is a great way to start the new year. It's been a good Christmas after a frustrating few weeks building up to it. You only have to look at the games coming up to realise how important it is to be available," admitted Vickery, who underwent an eye operation in November after taking a blow in the face against London Wasps.
"You always want to be involved, and it's great to have been back on a day-to-day basis. After the operation I had to do nothing for a week because of the nature of the injury. But since then I've been in the hands of Mike Anthony (fitness coach), and it's been like a mini pre-season. You can never plan for such injuries, you just have to keep your head down and get on with things."
Ulster have already won their two home games in Pool 6, beating Cardiff Blues 21-16 and Stade Francais Paris 18-10, and they are hopeful of topping the 9,600 crowd who turned up to see them beat the Blues for their final home tie.
