MIKE Ruddock (pictured) says 'now might be the best time' Ebbw Vale can play Llanelli as The Scarlets are without two of their Welsh internationals.

Number eight Scott Quinnell and hooker Robin McBride are out injured after the British Lions summer tour in Australia - and Vale coach Ruddock also believes they'll miss influential Welsh centre Dafydd James who was switched to Bridgend.

Vale are also going through somewhat of a transitional period as they are due to give six players their debut in tomorrow night's Celtic League Pool A game at Stradey Park (kick-off 6pm).

They have lost ten players from last season's squad through transfers - and a handful more due to retirement. The most notable departures are Welsh international full-back Nathan Budgett's switch to Bridgend, outside-half Jason Strange's move to Newport via Pontypool and Mark Jones to Pontypool.

However, the Steelmen have signed a massive 15 players as they look to be a force in the Celtic and Welsh/Scottish Leagues.

The biggest test for coach Ruddock is to get them all playing as a unit quickly - and it starts at Llanelli tomorrow.

The Scarlets are an awesome team on their own patch - but Ruddock believes now could be the best time Vale can play them.

"They are without their captain Scott Quinnell and hooker Robin McBride through injury," said Ruddock.

"And, of course, Dafydd James has left and he is a quality player. So, now might be the best time to play Llanelli, before they build up momentum."

Vale are a young, inexperienced side and will be looking to players like Welsh international Iestyn Thomas and forward Shay Billen, the new club captain, to provide inspiration.

Also in Celtic League Pool A with Ebbw Vale and Llanelli are Bridgend, Glasgow, Ulster, Swansea, Pontypridd and Leinster.

Ebbw Vale: Matt James, Aaron Takaranki, Andrew Wagstaff, Rhys Shorney, David Wetherley, Scott Mitchell, Gareth Betts, Iestyn Thomas, John Evans, Damien Penisini, Shay Billen (c), Neil Edwards, Kati Tuipolotu, Gareth Green, Paul Watkins.