LEINSTER have included British Lions Shane Horgan and Denis Hickie in their squad for the first time this season for Friday night's Celtic League games against Newport Gwent Dragons at Donnybrook (KO 7.10pm).

There is also a chance of fellow British Lions Gordon D'Arcy and Irish internationals Reggie Corrigan and Eric Miller making the side after being on the injured list, though skipper Brian O'Driscoll is, of course, missing after his serious shoulder injury on the Lions tour while Malcolm O'Kelly is also out.

"I'm pleased to add the likes of Denis and Shane who should make the squad, as could Reggie," said Leinster's new coach, Australian Michael Cheika, the former Randwick and Padova chief who accepted the Leinster job ahead of assisting former All Blacks coach John Mitchell at the new super 14 franchise in Perth.

"We'll have to wait and see how Gordon and Eric go in training," added Cheika, who is expecting a tough battle against the Dragons.

"They looked strong against the Ospreys, they're a very courageous side who play a high intensity game. I'm expecting a physical encounter," he said.

Cheika is being assisted at the leading Irish province by fellow Australia David Knox, though Leinster have lost David Holwell, Shane Byrne and Leo Cullen from recent seasons, all three moving on, while Victor Costello has retired.

Dragons coach Paul Turner is, for his part, also expecting a firm challenge. "It'll be another physical set piece challenge," he warned.

Ospreys coach Sean Holley believes the Dragons will have a major say in the outcome of the Celtic League battle for honours this season.

"They pose plenty of problems with their blitz defence and they hang in there," he said. "Gwent will have a big say in the league this season, they are a determined side."

The Dragons have delayed naming a side or squad for their second tough away league game in only three days.

Ceri Sweeney has been ruled out along with Nathan Brew, Richard Fussell, Kieran Crawford, Chris Anthony and Peter Sidoli, as well as Gareth Cooper and Michael Owen, but there is a chance Steve Jones and James Ireland will return.