CWMBRAN Town have been hit by an injury crisis at the heart of their defence just hours before the start of their European Cup match against Slovan Bratislava.

With Dean Philpott already out because of suspension and Jimmy Blackie suffering from a recurrence of an old injury, Cwmbran will go into tonight's game with Richard David (pictured) as the only recognised central defender.

The situation has led to Tony Wilcox making several surprising team selections. Adam Moore and Sean Wharton, two midfielders, have been drafted into a makeshift defence alongside David and Neil Smothers.

Richard Carter will also be employed in a defensive role as Wilcox has decided to play a 5-3-2 formation.

Nathan Wigg, Phil James, and Nathan Cotterell will make up the midfield, while up front the untried partnership of Lee Brown and Chris Watkins will play together for the first time in a competitive game.

There is also a change in goal, where Pat O'Hagan replaces the dependable Gary Wager.

Wilcox though insists that the changes have nothing to do with individual performances since the first leg.

"My selections aren't a reflection on the players ability," said Wilcox. "I've decided that the four who come into the side deserved the opportunity to play in Europe."

Cwmbran's new look line-up will face a tough test and the squad was made aware of how hard it will be after their training session at the National Stadium last night. "It's an impressive stadium, the pitch is much bigger than what we are used to," said Wilcox.

"But we have to go out and show people what we are capable of." The Crows boss understands that it is highly unlikely that his side will overturn the 4-0 deficit, and so has set some goals for his players.

If they reach them, he will believe the trip has been a success. "They are going to be a very hard side to beat in their own backyard," he said. "We have to go out there and play how we want to play. If we can make things difficult for them then you never know.

"But if the players perform with pride and passion then I'll be happy. For some it will be the biggest game of their lives and our performance will depend on how easily they adapt to that.

"For me though any score less than the first leg and I'll consider us to have won a moral victory."

Team: P O'Hagan, A Moore, R Carter, R David, S Wharton, N Smothers, N Wigg, P James, N Cotterell, C Watkins, L Brown. Subs: G Wager, M Pattimore, J Wile, R Griffiths.