EBBW Vale are keeping their fingers crossed they won't run into more injury troubles before their Celtic/Welsh Scottish League clash at home to Edinburgh on Friday night (writes Paul Tully)

The important game goes ahead despite Wales' international against Ireland in Cardiff on Saturday, with Vale certain to be without loose head prop Iestyn Thomas on international duty.

In addition, Vale are without promising lock Peter Sidoli for six months with a knee ligament injury and back row forward Gareth Green with a strained knee ligament. Now they are sweating on centre David Weatherley, who strained his left knee in the European Shield win over Rovigo on Saturday night, and second row Neil Edwards, injured in the same match.

"My knee is strained, so hopefully I'll be all right to face Edinburgh." said Weatherley. "I was in pain when I came off and a bit concerned because I've had a lot of problems with my left knee, including reconstructive surgery."

"David is a hardy customer. I'm sure he'll be back on his feet soon," said Vale coach Mike Ruddock.

Ruddock added: "We thought Neil had sprung a shoulder, but in fact it's a muscular injury to the neck, so hopefully he'll be OK for Fri night as well."

But on the brighter side skipper Chay Billen, a late replacement against Rovigo, has recovered from his neck poblem.