EBBW Vale have suffered two massive blows ahead of their Welsh/Scottish League clash with Cardiff at the Arms Park on Saturday.

Outside half Scott Mitchell, plagued by a groin muscle and tendon injury for months, is having an operation and will be out for the rest of the season.

And his replacement, Irishman Mark Meenam, has been recalled by Bedford and won't play for Vale again this campaign.

In addition, centre David Weatherley will be out for a month with a disc problem in his back.

It means Vale will again have to use Gareth Cull or Matt James, both full backs, at outside half during the rest of the season.

"It is two massive blows. You took the words out of my mouth," said coach Mike Ruddock, "but we've had to cope with such difficulties on and off all season and we'll do so again." Explaining Meenam's transfer back to Bedford, Vale director of rugby Ray Harris said: "When he transferred to us there was a clause in his contract saying we had to transfer him back if Bedford requested it.

"They have said that because of prolonged negotiations with Northampton outside half Alastair Hepher, they need his return."

lNumber eight Andrew Powell is set to return to the Newport team for Saturday's vital Welsh/Scottish League clash against Glasgow.

Powell has been out for nearly two months with broken bones in his hand, though he has missed only two club games in that time.

But Jonathan Pritchard is likely to be missing with a hamstring injury and co-centre Andy Marinos suffered an ankle strain training with Wales yesterday.

Newport will return to the top of the table if they win because leaders Llanelli are without a game.

Meanwhile, Celtic League talks got nowhere yesterday in Dublin. Hopes of setting up a full blown tournament next season based on home and away matches have been dashed by Ireland.

They are not prepared to even consider it until 2004 after the World Cup, and even then they are not keen on any more fixtures.