EDINBURGH have delayed naming their squad for Sunday's mouth-watering clash with the Newport Gwent Dragons at Murrayfield.

Both sides lost on the opening weekend of the Heineken Cup, making this game a must-win for both teams.

However, the Scottish side are struggling with injury and as a result will wait until the very last minute before naming the 15 to face Chris Anderson's side.

Among them is former New Zealand international Todd Blackadder who is suffering with an illness 33-year-old Blackadder missed Edinburgh's Heineken Cup curtain raiser with Perpignan and will be given maximum time to prove his fitness.

The back-row forward has not fully recovered from a viral infection. His place on the blindside was filled by Alasdair Strokosch, with captaincy duties taken on by Chris Paterson and all three players are included in the 24-man squad.

Edinburgh Rugby coach Frank Hadden said: "We've got one or two injuries and illness concerns in the squad but there are still a few days to get those sorted out."

Hadden also found time to pay tribute to the Dragons, who he called one of the best sides in the Celtic League this season.

He said: "The Dragons are an outstanding side and are possibly playing the best rugby in the Celtic League at the moment. They finished third in the league last year and since then have added some big names to their squad. I think our fans are in for a real treat this weekend."

The Edinburgh coach knows that his side will have to win on Sunday otherwise their Heineken Cup campaign will be effectively over, after only two game.

"From our point of view, we've had eight days to prepare for this game and we'll be on home soil for the first time in a month.

"But I am confident we will show our fans that we have come out of what has been a very tough playing schedule and learned a lot on the way," he added.

Backs from: Hugo Southwell, Chris Paterson, Simon Webster, Craig Joiner, Matt Dey, Marcus Di Rollo, Brendan Laney, Phil Godman, Rory Lawson, Mike Blair, Jamie Blackwood Forwards from: Allan Jacobsen, Dougie Hall, Andrew Kelly, Craig Smith, Joel Brannigan, Nathan Hines, Alastair Kellock, Fergus Pringle, Simon Cross, Dave Callam, Alasdair Strokosch, Allister Hogg, Todd Blackadder

Meanwhile, Scotland flanker Andrew Mower has announced his retirement from rugby at the age of 29.

The Newcastle forward has undergone reconstructive knee surgery on two occasions, but despite attempts to make a comeback, he has now decided to end his rugby career after receiving medical advice.

"At the time of my second reconstruction, the surgeons gave me a 50-70% chance of playing again, but I am now five months down the line from that operation, and it has got to the state where I get pains there," Mower said.

"I've had five happy years in Newcastle, and the club have been excellent in giving me every chance to get back playing. You have to listen to your body, and I've given it every opportunity, but it is time to call it a day. Now that I can't play rugby any more, I've decided to resume my financial career in London."