GOOD to be back in the number ten shirt is the message from Shaun Connor (pictured) as he makes a welcome return to Eugene Cross Park against Newport, another of his former clubs, tonight.

Having had a season at full back with Neath, the 26-year-old is happy to be back at his preferred position and his return of Connor will be a relief to Ebbw fans.

Both Matt James and Gareth Cull have done a sterling job covering the number 10 position with Scott Mitchell struggling all season with a groin strain, but neither is a specialist outside half.

Connor joined Neath last summer after two seasons with Ebbw Vale, but he was used at full back with current Wales A player Lee Jarvis dominating the outside role he can't wait to get on back onthe Eugene Cross Park pitch.

"I'm looking forward to it very much, it will be nice to get a game at number 10 and hopefully get a run of games there," he said.

"I was sad to leave Ebbw, but Neath made me a good deal. Last season Jason Strange and I shared the outside half role, so it's good to be back.

"I've played in a few derbies before both for Newport and for Ebbw Vale, roughly three for each.

"They are always close games with only a few points in it, normally they are big hard forward battles, just like the last one I played in, the Principality Cup semi-final last season."

On that occasion, Ebbw were beaten 19-12 in a tight affair as Gary Teichmann's side went on to lift the cup, but with good performances against Neath and Cardiff, Ebbw should face the Welsh/Scottish league leaders with buoyed confidence.

Having only left at the end of last season, Connor is no stranger to his team mates and knows his midfield partner, centres Rhys Shorney and Paul Matthews, well.

He said: "There are quite a few of the boys still around from last season, Paul played mostly full back last year, but he's a good player.

"Rhys is a big strong ball carrier, while Paul is more of a running player."

Having been signed on loan, how long Connor stays at Ebbw Vale this time depends very much on Neath.

But he admitted he'd like to stay at Vale and play outside half for as long as possible, especially when he lives just down the road in Blaina.

Connor said: "I'd rather play for Ebbw Vale till the end of the season.

"But I'll have to see what happens, it'll be good to have a run of a few games at outside half though."