THE Dragons are set to be boosted by “relentless” back row forward Harri Keddie in Friday’s Guinness PRO14 clash at Ulster.

The 22-year-old from Llanvaches has been out of action since suffering a ruptured bicep in pre-season but, with Ross Moriarty and Aaron Wainwright on Wales duty and Ollie Griffiths is sidelined by a hip injury, will make a timely comeback at Ravenhill (kick-off 7.55pm).

Keddie is set to be joined in the back row by openside Nic Cudd and blindside Huw Taylor with the strong-running number eight, who was invited to train with Wales by head coach Warren Gatland two years ago, is tipped to make a big impact by head coach Bernard Jackman.

“Harri had an unbelievable pre-season and had some really good moments last year,” said the former Ireland hooker.

“Ian Evans (former Wales lock and assistant forwards coach) was just blown away by how impressive he was, so to just do his bicep close to the start of the season was hard on him.

“He has been itching to play. His work rate is relentless – he is incredibly fit, pushes himself really hard, is really consistent and has good leadership qualities. He has got a big future.”

The Dragons are still without Brandon Nansen (concussion), which puts his autumn series with Samoa in serious doubt.

Jason Tovey is set to feature in Belfast on permit after the Cross Keys fly-half, the region’s leading points scorers after two spells at Rodney Parade, was invited to train with the Dragons over the past fortnight.

“Jason looks sharp,” said Jackman, who is without Gavin Henson (knee), Arwel Robson (ankle) and Jacob Botica (quad). “It’s his composure and game management, when we don’t have momentum he knows how to find space through his boot.

“He is very experienced and he is quiet, but gives people inside and outside assurance because he doesn’t get flustered. He has always been a talented player and we are lucky that he is playing in our region and available for us now.”

The Dragons are without Wales internationals Cory Hill, Elliot Dee, Leon Brown, Wainwright, Moriarty and Tyler Morgan for the trip to Belfast.

Lock Matthew Screech, hooker Richard Hibbard, centre Adam Warren Taylor and Keddie are likely to deputise while Lloyd Fairbrother and Aaron Jarvis as the options to step in for tighthead Brown.

Jared Rosser (hamstring) is out but Dafydd Howells is back in the back three.