IAN Gough has been granted his wish and is included in the Newport squad for the Welsh/Scottish League showdown with Swansea at Rodney Parade on Friday night.

The Welsh lock is included among the replacements for another high intensity game against last season's Welsh champions after telling the Argus yesterday he hoped to press to recapture his Wales place for the Autumn tests.

He said two comeback games against Swansea Under-21s and Caerleon had cleared a few doubts in his mind after his close-season shoulder operation.

"Watching Newport beat Toulouse at a passion-packed Rodney Parade let me know what I've been missing," he added.

In confirming his return on the bench, Newport team manager Jim McCreedy said: "It is always a boost to get a player of Ian's ability back in the squad.

"What proved his determination was the way he made three tackles in quick succession in Sunday's game with Caerleon which were reminiscent of Ian at his best."

The Newport team shows just one change from the XV which started in the Heineken Cup success over Toulouse, Welsh international Chris Anthony returning at tight head prop for Adrian Garvey on rotation against his former club.

On the bench Gough replaces Gareth Taylor, hooker Paul Young returns for Ceri Jones after recovering from a calf injury, and Gareth Gravelle replaces Joe Powell after recovering from an ankle injury sustained against Neath.

McCreedy said: "Although it is hard on the players fighting to get in, the side has been going well, winning the last four games, hence so few changes."

Newport: M Pini, M Mostyn, J Pritchard, A Marinos, M Watkins, S Howarth, O Tonu'u, R Snow, J Richards, C Anthony, S Raiwalui, M Voyle, P Buxton, J Forster, A Powell. Replacements: A Garvey, P Young, I Gough, G Gravelle, N Brew, J Strange, D Burn. Kick-off 7.05pm.

Swansea have a major injury doubt surrounding Wales full back Kevin Morgan while Wales second row Andy Moore is also causing concern.

Morgan (hamstring) has not trained so far this week but Moore (hand) is expected to play some part on Friday. They both got their knocks playing for Wales against Ireland.