CENTRE Ashley Smith is poised to give Newport Gwent Dragons a much-needed fitness boost by lining up against Stade Francais in Paris on Saturday, writes Chris Kirwan.

The 27-year-old was helped from the field in the first half of last Saturday's 24-10 Guinness Pro12 defeat at Edinburgh after suffering a blow to the head.

It left the Dragons with the prospect of travelling to the Stade Jean Bouin without a fit specialist centre as they are already without Pat Leach (knee), Jack Dixon (wrist), Tyler Morgan (knee) and Ross Wardle (knee).

However, Smith has undergone concussion tests and is set to get the green light to take on Stade Francais in the European Rugby Challenge Cup opener.

Wales wing Tom Prydie lined up at outside centre at Murrayfield and is expected to overcome a wrist injury to stay in midfield in Paris.

Ian Gough (shoulder) rated at 50/50 while his fellow lock Rynard Landman (neck) will face a fitness test on Friday after being taken off as a precaution in Edinburgh.

Stade Francais are going well in the Top 14 and maintained their perfect home record when they beat city rivals Racing Metro last weekend.

They are priced by the bookies as favourites for the second-tier tournament but are likely to shuffle their side given that lifting the trophy does not guarantee a place in next year's Champions Cup.

Former Newport favourite Simon Raiwalui, who is on the Stade Francais coaching team, said: "I am sure it will be a change to blood some new young players and give other guys game time but our first game of the competition is at home and we want to put in a good performance."