NEWPORT second row Ian Gough (pictured) is ready to begin his bid to regain his Wales second row place.

The powerful player from Cwmbran was a spectator at the Millennium Stadium on Saturday to witness the horror show against Ireland.

But rather than be put off from hurrying back after such a display, he is anxious to make up for lost time.

And he is hoping to get straight back into the swing after two warm-up matches since his shoulder operation by playing a part in Newport's important Welsh/Scottish League match at home to Swansea on Friday.

Gough played his first game since being injured in last season's Welsh Cup final win over Neath for the club's under-21s at Swansea just over a week ago. On Sunday, he was a try scorer in the 109-10 demolition of Caerleon. Now he is keen to get back to the big time and hopes to figure in the Newport squad against Swansea when it is announced tomorrow.

"It was great for my confidence to come through the two games. By all accounts it was a rather serious operation on my shoulder and there were a few doubts in my mind that I had to clear," said Gough.

"It felt good, the scrummaging and tackling went well, and it just stops me asking questions of myself. Now I know I can do it and that it won't hurt and I can't wait to get stuck into another match.

"Watching Newport beat Toulouse at a passion-packed Rodney Parade let me know what I've been missing since I got injured in the Principality Cup final.

"I'm hoping to be included in the first team squad for the game against Swansea, but I know I'll have to push hard to get back into the team.

"Simon Raiwalui and Mike Voyle have been playing so well together it is going to be difficult to break them up.

"I'm sure it will take a few more games to adjust to the true pace of top-flight rugby, but I intend to fight not only to regain my place in the Newport side, but also in the Welsh set-up.

"It's a long shot I know, but if I can play in the next three games for Newport for at least a half, get a bit of match fitness back and show any sort of form, hopefully I can put my hand up a little bit for Wales, even for one of the November internationals.

"Obviously it will be very difficult because Andy (Moore) and Chris (Wyatt) are good players.

"If I don't make it,I will understand because I will only have played a few games, but that's my big goal at the moment."

And of Saturday's game, he said: "I believe it was a one-off. I don't think it will happen again. It was a very bad day at the office."

Former Leeds Rhinos Rugby League star Iestyn Harris is set to make his Cardiff Rugby Union debut in next week's Heineken Cup game against Glasgow.

The Glasgow game has been pencilled in by Cardiff coach Rudy Joubert after Harris was cleared by a specialist yesterday to resume full contact training. Harris snapped ligaments in a wrist before joining Cardiff and has yet to play.