ASHLEY Smith has given Newport Gwent Dragons a huge lift by declaring himself fit to face Treviso at Rodney Parade.

The inside centre has not played since suffering a toe injury against Zebre last March but is set to line up with on-loan Ospreys back Ben John in midfield on Sunday.

The Dragons had feared the Guinness Pro12 clash with the Italians at Rodney Parade would come a week too soon for the 27-year-old, who sat out last weekend's loss to Glasgow because of a tight hamstring.

However, Smith will start against Treviso and will be joined in the squad by full-back Lee Byrne and fly-half Jason Tovey after they made unexpectedly good progress from shoulder and calf injuries respectively.

Smith's return is especially welcome given the Dragons' midfield troubles, with Pat Leach, Jack Dixon, Ross Wardle and Tyler Morgan all sidelined with long-term injuries.

"It's been a frustrating time but I am finally fit and ready to go," he said. "There have been a few mishaps but those happy when you are coming back from a lengthy injury and I am looking forward to Sunday.

"Ideally I probably would have made my return from the bench but needs must and it's nice to be wanted!

"The injury problems give me a chance to get back into the team and, even though it's not the way that I would have liked it to happen, I've got to try and take my chance.

"Ben John did well against Glasgow after joining up with us late so hopefully I will combine well with him and form a good partnership."

The Dragons have made a disappointing start to the season after being edged out by Connacht and the Ospreys before a 33-13 hammering at the hands of Glasgow.

And they can ill afford another slip-up against a Treviso side that are pointless after heavy defeats to the Ospreys, Munster and the Scarlets.

Smith believes a win would help settle the nerves ahead of away trips to Llanelli and Edinburgh.

"A win would help us kick on but Treviso are still a good team and this won't be an easy game," he said.

"They will be smarting from being beaten 43-0 by the Scarlets last week and will come here with a big pack and some dangerous players like (Italy centre Michele) Campagnaro."