NEWPORT have been handed a double boost ahead of their Konica-Minolta Cup quarter-final at Maesteg on Saturday.

Prolific scoring outside half Dan Griffiths has signed a new two-year contract with the club and vice-captain and lock Matthew Veater could be unexpectedly available for the tie.

A further boost may be the availability of scrum half James Ireland, now fit again after a series of knee injuries and operations.

Veater broke his nose and suffered a minor fracture of a cheekbone and blurred vision in the Welsh Premier League clash at Bridgend on March 4 and was expected to be out for the season.

Bridgend lock Mike Powell was subsequently cited and suspended for three months, preventing a move to French giants Bourgoin, for throwing the punch that caused the damage.

Veater was later told he could carry on training and play again from April 19, but such has been his progress that he expects to be given the all clear for Saturday.

"The problem was more the blurred vision than anything but that is now almost 100 per cent," said Veater.

"I have to see the doctor again this week and I'm really hopeful of being given the all-clear. I can't wait to get back in action and it would be great to be involved in the cup tie. "But for the sake of one game, I won't risk my career."

Griffiths, a major player in Newport winning the semi-pro Welsh League two seasons ago and finishing runners-up last season, began this season at full back.

The Dragons wanted to see if he could develop into a number two to Kevin Morgan while Newport wanted to develop Aled Thomas, a young signing from Llanelli Scarlets, as their 10.

Ironically, Thomas has since become the Newport Gwent Dragons full back with Morgan injured while Griffiths has regained his best form back at fly half for his club.

"Starting the season at full back was not a problem," said Griffiths, "but picking up a couple of injuries made it difficult. Since being back at outside half I feel I have gradually regained form. I'm really pleased to have signed for another two years, I may be a West Wales boy but I feel really at home at Newport.

"The only other option really might have been a move to England with clubs fishing around in the Welsh Premier-ship for players, especially goal-kickers, but Newport and the fans have been good to me."

Griffiths scored 20 points to help Newport overcome Cardiff on Saturday and said: "Hopefully I can carry that forward into the cup game. There is a focus in the club on trying to make the final this season."

Griffiths, incidentally, needs just 31 points to pass Bill Everson's 856 and become the fifth highest points scorer in the club's history behind Paul Turner, Shane Howarth, Norman Morgan and Leighton Davies.

Newport scrum half Matthew Thomas and prop Gethin Robinson, who suffered minor injuries against Cardiff, will be fit for selection against Maesteg.

l Newport have rearranged their league fixtures at home to Pontypridd and at Maesteg for Tuesday, April 11 and Wedne-sday, April 26 respectively.

l Newport Gwent Dragons' Celtic League fixture at Llanelli will be on Saturday, April 22, kick-off time to be determined.