NEWPORT Gwent Dragons have run into major injury problems as they step up their challenge for the Celtic League title.

Second placed Dragons have been hit hard by injuries to lock Ian Gough and centre Hal Luscombe, both of whom face lengthy spells out of action.

Gough is in plaster and will be missing for at least a month after damaging ankle ligaments in the 17th minute against Llanelli Scarlets last Friday.

Luscombe could be out for a similar period after injuring a knee when he went on as a second half replacement.

He was released from Wales squad for the match, but is on crutches and is now out of the international running as well. He is due to have a scan today.

He had taken over from skipper Andy Marinos, himself struggling with a rib injury.

Fellow centre Steve Winn could not be considered because of a back injury while prop Chris Anthony withdrew with a shoulder injury.

On top of that, back row forward Ross Beattie is still struggling with a thigh/hamstring injury, Michael Owen is away on Wales duty and Luke Charteris is with Wales Under-21s.

"The second half of the season looks like being a real test for us, but other teams have got injury problems as well so we've just got to get on with it," said Dragons coach Mike Ruddock.

Partly offsetting the losses the Dragons will be able to call on the services of Wales A lock Neil Edwards from Ebbw Vale, who deputised well for Gough against the Scarlets.

He was originally a Dragons player, but was released after the administration problems.

"It's a week by week arrangement, I'm delighted Neil has got another chance with us," said Ruddock.

The Dragons face four important Celtic League games in successive weeks, starting with Neath-Swansea Ospreys at Swansea on Friday night, then Ulster at Rodney Parade on February 28, Glasgow at Hughendon on March 5 and Munster at Thomond Park, Limerick on March 12.

If the Dragons beat the Ospreys they will be 21 points ahead of their rivals and virtually guaranteed of a place in the Heineken Cup next season.

"We've got to take our opportunity and not even talk about playing away, just concentrate on performance," said Ruddock referring to the Dragons' indifferent away form compared with just one defeat at home.

"But I'd prefer to be playing at St Helen's on Friday night than the Gnoll," he added.