TWO of the most promising central defenders in Wales - both from Gwent - are set to be paired together tonight for Cardiff City, 24 hours after Andy Melville brought the curtain down on his international career.

James Collins and Byron Anthony are waiting to get the nod to start as the Bluebirds visit the Fitness First Stadium to face Bournemouth in the third round of the Carling Cup (kick-off 7.45).

Lawrence has decided to rotate his squad and Wales international Collins and his former Under-21 colleague Anthony will be looking to stake a claim for both club and country.

Collins has started for Wales in two of their last three World Cup qualifiers but has not been able to force his way into the Bluebirds starting League line-up, despite City's poor form.

The 19-year old Anthony starred for City at Milton Keynes Dons in the last round of the Carling Cup and capped an impressive performance with his first senior goal.

He has also impressed as a centre-back for Wales U-21 team, which has seen him force his way into the Cardiff squad on a more regular basis.

And with Cwmbran's Danny Gabbidon rested and Tony Vidmar unlikely to feature, Lawrence is poised to turn to the Gwent pair.

But he has warned any fringe players that are included tonight that he is expecting a lot from them, declaring: "If they can't cope at Bournemouth, they've got a problem.

He continued: "If they think they deserve to be in the team then this is a chance for them to prove that. " If they don't then they will go to the back of the queue here."

Goalkeeper Neil Alexander will make his first start for almost ten months, as Tony Warner is rested, Rhys Weston is recalled after injury and Lee Bullock will start.

Monmouth-based Paul Parry is still struggling with injury so 17-year old midfielder Joe Ledley will keep his place, but Darren Williams and Gary O'Neil are unavailable due to the conditions of their loans.