GUTSY scrum half Llyr Lane is adamant last week's big defeat at Neath will not have a lasting affect on Newport's Premier Division season.

The Llanelli-born 23-year-old was as upset as anyone that the Black and Ambers lost their unbeaten record in such a fashion (losing 37-8).

But he said this week: "I don't think it will have a lasting affect. The players are too good to allow that.

"We have some good leaders in the side such as Gareth Gravell, Chay Billen and Steve Martin and the coaches will make sure there are no negative vibes.

"Although Neath played well, we certainly did not play to the best of our ability. In fact, we didn't really turn up," said Lane.

"I think the game had been built up so much that we all forgot to concentrate on our jobs.

"Everything we did wrong last Saturday we've got to put right against Aberavon this week and put in a really big performance for our supporters.

"They were fantastic again at The Gnoll and we owe it to them to bounce back.

"We have to put what happened at Neath to the back of our minds and remember that before that we had won 11 games and gone 12 games on the bounce without defeat.

"It's probably a good thing we have another tough game against Aberavon (who are third in the table) because they are the right kind of games in which to put things right."

Lane is convinced last week was a blip and doesn't think the influx of players from the regional teams into the Premier sides after the return of Wales stars from the World Cup will affect Newport.

"I think a lot of our players could step up and fill a place in the Gwent side," he said.

"It's not a worry for us. We are still good enough to deal with whatever comes our way.

"We all want to play at the highest level possible and that remains a big incentive. It's a matter of continuing to play well week in, week out. You can't do any more."

Lane has been a regular in the Newport team this season, but not always at the base of the scrum.

He's had one full game at outside half and been switched there on a couple more occasions while he has also had to assume goal-kicking duties.

"I missed a couple of sitters on Saturday," he admitted. "I've not really been a goal kicker and hadn't trained for it. I'd messed about in training a bit with Daniel (Griffiths), that's all.

"But with Daniel nursing a knee injury I've taken over so I have been practising a lot more.

"As for playing at outside half, I played there a couple of times for Bristol Under-21s when players were injured and quite enjoy it.

"To be honest I find it a lot easier. You have a bit more time on the ball and a couple more yards of space."

But today he's back at the base of the scrum where he played for Newport (and on loan with Ebbw Vale) in the higher reaches last season determined to help his side regain the winning thread.

With Sione Tuipulot on Dragons duty on Sunday, Newport include Richard Davies at full nack from the regional team tomorrow.

Newport: R Davies, C Richards, R Shorney, S Williams, W Kershaw-Naylor, D Griffiths, L Lane, D Pattison, G Robinson, S Cronk, S Martin, C Billen, S Waldron, G Gravell, R Jones. Replacements: J Evans, I George, M Veater, A Cox, O Jones, C Thomas, A Jerrett.