COLIN Charvis is set to return to the Newport Gwent Dragons team for tomorrow night's Magners League game against Connacht as they aim to stem a tide of five defeats in a row.

Successive setbacks at the hands of Edinburgh, Leinster, Clermont Auvergne, Munster and Cardiff Blues make it the Dragons' worst run since they were formed four years ago.

Four of the games have been away which, with an ever increasing number of injuries and a heavy reliance on youngsters, has been a contributory factor.

The likely return of the vastly experienced Charvis from an elbow injury could not, therefore, come at a more appropriate time, The former Wales captain who has been included in the tour party for Australia later this month after being ignored for the Six Nations, has missed the Dragons' last three matches.

He returns to a 28-man squad for the Connacht game, the Dragons needing just a point against the side immediately below them in the table to ensure they are in the Heineken Cup qualifier against the third-placed Italian side later this month.

Despite the continuing doubt about Europe's premier rugby competition going ahead next season, the Dragons expect to have to play in the qualifier which, like last season, would be at Rodney Parade probably on the weekend of May 18-20.

Apart from Charvis, centre Paul Emerick, wing Aled Brew, hooker Steve Jones and prop Lee Harrison are all expected to be available for tomorrow's game after being on the injured list.

Prop Rhys Thomas, flanker Jamie Ringer and centre Phil Dollman, who have minor injuries, will undergo fitness tests to decide if they can make it.

And prop Adam Black, unlucky to miss out on the Wales tour, should return after being rested and missed the start of a game for only the second time this season against the Blues.

But the Dragons will be without forwards Peter Sidoli and Nic Fitisemanu who both need wrist operations so will also miss the final league game against the title-chasing Ospreys at Rodney Parade next Tuesday (7.35pm).

Wales Under-20 caps Gareth Maule and Dan Lydiate, who both did well against Cardiff Blues on Tuesday night, have been included in the squad against Connacht.

Despite the recent losing run, Turner remains delighted with the level of support his team has attracted this season.

"Our away support at places like Bristol, Bayonne and Clermont has been great. We are developing a young side and people appreciate what we are trying to do," he said.

"Connacht is a must win game. We owe them one (the Dragons lost 16-9 in Galway in October) and they are a well organised side. Kick off 7.10pm.

Dragons squad: K Morgan (captain), M Thomas, G Wyatt, R Fussell, A Brew, P Emerick, P Dollman, G Maule, A Thomas, C Sweeney, G Cooper, A Walker, A Black, D Maddocks, R Thomas, L Harrison, J Corsi, S Jones, B Daly, R Wilkes, I Gough, A Hall, L Charteris, C Charvis, J Bearman, M Owen, J Ringer, D Lydiate.