NATHAN Brew switches from wing to his favourite outside centre position for the first time for over a year for Newport Gwent Dragons in their top-of-the-table Celtic League game against Neath-Swansea Ospreys at Rodney Parade on Friday night.

Brew looked highly promising in that position a few years ago, but his career stood still for a while and then he reappeared mainly on the wing, his path also blocked by Percy Montgomery and Hal Luscombe.

But with the Dragons lacking so many front line players on international duty Brew gets his first chance at outside centre since the Dragons' game against Ulster just over a year ago.

Ben Breeze, who scored a try against Borders in his only start for the Dragons this season, is recalled on the wing, with Kevin Morgan reverting to his normal full back position.

With Ceri Sweeney and Gareth Cooper both missing the half backs will be Gareth Baber and Craig Warlow, the outside half making his first appearance of the season.

There are only two changes up front, Peter Sidoli coming in at lock in place of Michael Owen, with Jamie Richards at hooker for Steve Jones. Rather surprisingly, Rhys Oakley will cover both the back row and lock positions should there be any injuries.

The Dragons call on Wales Under-21 scrum half James Ireland as a replacement. He joined Newport from Cross Keys this season.

"We were delighted with the win against Edinburgh which got our Heineken Cup campaign back on track and gives us the chance to qualify from the group," said Dragons coach Chris Anderson.

"But we have turned our attentions back to the Celtic League this week with the Ospreys who are unbeaten in the league.

"They will be hurting from losing narrowly to Munster and will be looking to avenge that defeat, starting against the Dragons.

"It's great to see the number of players from both sides in the Welsh squad and is a reflection of the good start both teams have made in the Celtic League.

"Tomorrow night's game will allow teams to see how much strength in depth they have and is an opportunity for younger members of the squad to show what they can do."

The Ospreys, ten points ahead of the Dragons who have a game in hand, are also without eight leading players, but recall former Springbok wing Stefan Terblanche.

Dragons: K Morgan, G Wyatt, N Brew, S Tuipulotu, B Breeze, C Warlow, G Baber, R Snow, J Richards, C Anthony, I Gough, P Sidoli, J Ringer, R Bryan, J Forster (captain). Replacements: S Winn, J Bryant, J Ireland, A Black, K Crawford, R Thomas, R Oakley.

Ospreys: A Durston, L Mustoe, D Bishop, E Seveali, S Terblanche, M Jones, J Spice, P James, B Williams (captain), A Millward, A Newman, L Bateman, J Bater, N Bonner-Evans, R Pugh. Kick off 7.10pm.