SHANE Howarth could be back for Newport's vital Welsh/Scottish League clash against Cardiff at Rodney Parade on Friday night.

Howarth (pictured) is battling to recover from the damaged ribs, suffered against Neath last week, and is desperate to return to help revive Newport's fading title challenge.

His experience would be invaluable as the Black and Ambers bid to steady the ship after successive defeats at the hands of Cardiff in the cup and Neath and Swansea in the league.

Howarth's possible return would offset the loss of another player for the rest of the season - Wales centre Andy Marinos.

He has injured a hand against Swansea and follows scrums halves Ofisa Tonu'u and Dale Burn in being out for the season.

It is the second time this season that Marinos has suffered a hand injury, the last put him out of Wales' Six Nations game against England.

His place against Cardiff goes to Wales under-21 centre Hal Luscombe, who makes his first home league start.

"Andy's loss is a huge blow, but it's opened the door for Hal who has got a lot of potential and has done well for Wales under-21s," said coach Ian McIntosh. "With Nathan Brew returning after being out for six weeks with an ankle injury, it's looking very exciting."

Luscombe will partner Jonathan Pritchard in a new centre pairing while it's also all-change in the front row where Rod Snow, James Richards and Adrian Garvey start. Mike Voyle makes his first start since February 8 instead of rested Ian Gough.

McIntosh keeps faith with back-row trio Peter Buxton, Andrew Powell and Jason Forster which is tough on Joe Powell.

Swansea have decided not to cite Newport flanker Jason Forster after an alleged punching incident near the end of Saturday's game.

"Going down that road is a messy issue. We may have a private word with Newport to see if they want to do anything about it," said Swansea team manager Richard Moriarty. Newport: M Pini, M Mostyn, H Luscombe, J Pritchard, B Breeze, J Strange/S Howarth, L Lane, R Snow, J Richards, A Garvey, S Raiwalui (captain), M Voyle, P Buxton, A Powell, J Forster. Replacements: C Anthony, P Young, I Gough, J Powell, M Watkins, Strange/ S Howarth, M Thomas. Kick off 7.30pm.