NEWPORT Gwent Dragons coach Mike Ruddock is hoping to be boosted by the return of six players for Saturday night's crunch Celtic League clash with table-topping Ulster.
The Dragons take on the Irish side at Rodney Parade (ko 5.30pm) in a game Ruddock's side must win if they are to keep their title aspirations alive.
Ruddock could have the services of Hal Luscombe, Michael Owen, Rhys Oakley, Ross Beattie, Chris Anthony and Luke Charteris to choose from. Luscombe and Owen have both been released from a Wales training session pencilled in for Saturday morning, so that they can be involved with the Dragons that evening, injury permitting.
"Hal is seeing a specialist and we will know in the next day or two whether or not he is fit. But Michael Owen will be available.
"Oakley is about 50/50 to make the game so he is another possible and Beattie should return."
But the game will come too early for Ian Gough who is still suffering from an ankle injury picked up in the Llanelli victory earlier this month.
Charteris is also available after being involved with the Wales Under-21 set-up and prop Chris Anthony is expected to return from a shoulder injury.
Ruddock's only other injury worries concern Jamie Ringer and Bobby Skinstad, both of whom limped off from Friday's defeat against the Neath-Swansea Ospreys at St Helen's.
Skinstad has a dead leg while Ringer has a knee injury and both players will be assessed during the week.
Ruddock admits that Saturday night's game could determine the outcome of their season.
He said: "If we are to win the Celtic League then Saturday's game is must win.
"We know plenty about Ulster having played them three times already this season and they should have their international contingent back so will be at full strength."
* Tickets for the Dragons' game against Ulster on Saturday evening in the Celtic League are available from the Rodney Parade ticket office: 01633 670696.
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