BIG guns Joe Bearman, Martyn Thomas and Matt-hew Watkins all make their long awaited return for Newport Gwent Dragons in Friday night’s LV Cup game against Sale at Edgeley Park.

The Dragons are top of their group after two games and victories against Sale and the Scarlets at Rodney Parade a week on Sunday would put them through to the semi-finals.

And on the back of losing all six Heineken Cup pool games the return of Bearman, Thomas and Watkins could not come at a better time.

Only Bearman has appeared for the Dragons this season after being dogged by groin trouble for over a year which has restricted him to just two games, one in April and the other at the beginning of September.

Thomas has been out for nine months after suffering an horrific leg injury, breaking it in five places, dislocating the ankle and rupturing tendons.

And Watkins’ pre-season was interrupted by a potentially serious stomach condition which required an operation and was even career threatening.

But the trio have battled back and have played some Premier-ship rugby in the last week, Bearman and Thomas for Pontypool and Watkins for Newport.

Now the trio have been named in the Dragons squad for their tough game at Sale and could all start.

“It’s good to have them back, they are all good players and they will add to our squad,” said coach Paul Turner.

“We missed Martyn, he was playing some good rugby and was near to the Welsh squad.

“I have always said that as long as he has a run of games and is consistent he can play for his country.

“Joe has been out for long periods with his injury, but he’s back now and he can push for honours too.

“Matthew had a good end to the season and his problem was a shock to everyone. He’s probably been our best trainer and we’ll be looking for big things from him as well.”

Another player who could get an opprtunity on Friday is USA Eagles scrum half Mike Petri, ironically against the club he joined them from.

And prop Scott Roberts is another who could see some Dragons action, the Bedwas and former Blues Academy prospect also named in the squad.

It looks like being a strong line-up, only Wales Six Nations pair Dan Lydiate and Toby Faletau, now sadly injured, Tom Riley, Wayne Evans and Gavin Thomas missing from the 27-man squad, though there is no openside specialist named.

Squad: M Thomas, W Harries, A Brew, N Brew, A Hughes, M Watkins, P Leach, T Cheeseman, A Smith, M Jones, J Tovey, J Evans, M Petri, P Price, S Roberts, B Castle, P Palmer, T Willis (captain), S Jones, L Burns, R Sidoli, S Morgan, A Jones, L Charteris, L Evans, H Ellis, J Bearman.