NEWPORT Gwent Dragons coach Paul Turner has set the region's Welsh Premier Division clubs the challenge of reaching the division's top tier.

Turner sees the success of the five now in the Premiership as crucial to underpinning the strength of the region and wants them all to target finishing in the top half.

"We've told the coaches we'd like to see all five of them trying to get in the top six of the league. It's difficult, but that's the aim.

"If that happens then the region will be underpinned with strength," said Turner ahead of tonight's game between the Dragons and a Gwent Premier Select squad at Pandy Park (7.15pm).

"You look down west and you see the Ospreys underpinning their success. Neath, Aberavon and Swansea are resurgent so we need to get our Premiership clubs up there out of common sense and necessity."

Turner added: "We are trying our utmost to encourage the youngsters and are a region looking to develop its youth more than any other I would have thought.

"I have read and over the past couple of years people have told me that in the Premiership there are only a couple of teams and there's not a lot of good rugby there.

"But I've been enthused by a lot of the youngsters around here and I told the Premiership players last week that I want to see them perform as well as my so-called own team.

"It's a game that's much needed within the region and I feel there needs to be more of an incentive for these players who should be dressing up and trying to push for a regional contract.

"We helped pick a squad we felt would benefit the future but out of necessity they've added a few others because certain players weren't available.

"The game is going to be a trial like those of years gone by and I look at it as a win-win situation. It should be a well-balanced game and I'm looking for positives on both sides.

"Obviously we'd like to win because that's what people look at, but there's more to it than that."

Because of international requirements and injuries the Dragons are without a dozen players while the Premier side does not look as strong as last season, when they shocked the senior outfit with a 24-14 win.

"Given the summer, which has been very difficult to manage with players not here and players injured, I'd very much like to get through the pre-season without picking up any more injuries," said Turner.

"If we get through Wednesday and unearth a few players and all of my squad stay free of injury then I think we'll have achieved something."

Meanwhile, a pulled hamstring in training has ruled Pontypool lock Matthew Amos out of the Gwent Premier Select squad for tonight's game.