EBBW Vale’s bid to beat the drop has been boosted by the Premiership’s most succesful coach this week as they prepare for the visit of Llandovery.

The struggling Steelmen, who have won just one of their nine games and are two points above bottom club Pontypool, have been helped by Rowland Phillips in training.

It is hoped that Phillips will join to work alongside head coach Matthew McCarthy and forwards coach Christian Loader but a deal has not yet been rubber-stamped.

He watched last weekend’s loss at Bedwas and will be at Eugene Cross Park tomorrow.

Phillips won four titles and three cups at Neath – the best record in the semi-professional era– and was also Wales defence coach in the reign of Gareth Jenkins.

With Phillips joining up and Ebbw’s injury problems slowly clearing up, there is cause for optimism.

McCarthy said: “I think a lot of our problems have come in the last 10 to 15 minutes and that is down to not having the depth on the bench because of the injuries.

“We are looking to bring on boys who have give us that little something extra and it is starting to look a bit better on that front.

“It’s all about getting that win now. People are saying they can see us improving and a win coming but that is no good to us, I would rather play badly and get the win.”

The Drovers have been in sparkling form and ran in 17 tries in their last two games – 10 of those in last weekend’s 68-21 thumping of Pontypool.

“Llandovery are playing well and (head coach) Rob Appleyard is doing a really good job for them,” said McCarthy.

“They are making sure they will not be involved in the dogfight at the bottom but we are at home and we will see how well they travel this week after a big win at Pontypool.

“Llandovery have got a strong outside centre, a quick back three and Cerith Rees can control things. That gives them a strong spine but we are confident we can get on top.”

The Steelmen will assess a few bumps and bruises before naming their team.