NEWPORT Gwent Dragons are keeping close tabs on Wales international Lou Reed as they prepare for the possibility of facing Newcastle with just one specialist lock.

Reed, who won the last of his five caps against Japan in the summer of 2013, has returned to Cardiff Blues after just two weeks on loan at Leicester.

The 27-year-old from Treorchy played for his region's A team against their Ospreys counterparts at BT Sport Cardiff Arms Park on Monday evening.

However, the Dragons are keeping an eye on the situation given that Rynard Landman could be their only fit specialist lock against Newcastle in the European Rugby Challenge Cup on Friday.

Ian Gough, who has been sidelined for a fortnight with a shoulder problem, and Andrew Coombs, who was forced off in the opening stages of Saturday's stunning 38-22 at Stade Francais by a knee injury, will face late fitness tests.

But it is likely that either Andy Powell or James Thomas, who are both more comfortable in the back row, will start in the second row against the Falcons at Rodney Parade.

Reed would not be eligible for Europe but the Dragons enquired about his availability at the start of the month

"It's died down a little at the moment but we heard that Lou wasn't in the picture at the Blues and was going to go up to Leicester," said head coach Kingsley Jones.

"We picked up the phone and asked if he could come here given our injury situation while we also nearly signed him in February but he decided to stay with the Blues.

"I am a big fan of Lou and he has a lot to offer. He is not registered for Europe so it wouldn't have an impact (on Newcastle) but it's something that we are monitoring.

"The Blues recalled him and felt they needed him for their next run of fixtures but if he doesn't get any game time we would certainly welcome him here."

The Dragons are currently without five locks in Gough, Coombs, Cory Hill (ankle), Matthew Screech (shoulder) and Joe Davies (shoulder). New South African recruit Landman has impressed in all seven games of the season.