NEWPORT are almost certain to be without three front line players against Llanelli at Stradey Park on Friday night.

Newport, in second place in the Welsh-Scottish table on 15 points, have delayed selection of the side to take on Llanelli, lying third also on 15 points but having played a game more.

Out is openside flanker Jason Forster with groin trouble, outside half Shane Howarth (pictured) is extremely doubtful with a badly cut thumb and scrum half Ofisa Tonu'u is not expected to be back from New Zealand following the death of his mother.

On top of that replacement full back Emyr Lewis is out with a broken thumb, suffered on Wales duty at the Dubai Sevens.

Dale Burn and Gareth Gravell, both of whom started against Leinster last week, are likely to remain in the side after playing well.

And Jason Strange, who took over from Howarth early in the second half at Donnybrook and also did well, will start if Howarth fails to make it.

It would be only the fourth start of the season for Strange. There is also a doubt about tight head prop Chris Anthony, who has a wrist injury, but Adrian Garvey will be able to play despite being cited by Leinster.

But on the brighter side Newport are likely to have full back Matt Pini fit for Llanelli after a hospital scan revealed no major damage to the hand injury he suffered against Leinster. Llanelli also have injury problems and may be without number eight Scott Quinnell and centre Leigh Davies, while Irish pair, brothers Guy and Simon Easterby are also struggling.

It is still going to be a tough call for Newport at a Stradey Park ground where they have won just once in the last 23 years.