NEWPORT Gwent Dragons are set to receive a massive boost with the return of their captain Colin Charvis and key man Kevin Morgan for Friday night's Magners League game against Edinburgh at Rodney Parade.

Charvis has been sidelined by a knee injury which forced him off in the early stages of their Heineken Cup-tie against London Irish and he missed the games against Perpignan and Ulster.

Morgan has been out for longer, troubled by a knee injury for the second time this season which, together with his involvement in the World Cup, has limited his appearances for the Dragons to just nine.

But Charvis and Morgan have both made progress and provided they don't suffer any mishaps in training this week will return against the Scottish team.

The back row suddenly looks a whole lot stronger with Richard Parks already back after recovering from a knee injury, Charvis due to return and Joe Bearman and Jamie Ringer also ready for a recall.

Ringer has been out since the Cardiff Blues game on Boxing Day when he damaged a shoulder while Bearman missed the last game against Ulster because of the effects of a double hernia operation.

Centre Rhodri Davies, like Ringer missing since Boxing Day, is another player who could return after recovering from a foot injury which required an operation.

But the Dragons will be without the suspended Adam Black and they are not sure whether Rhys Thomas will be released by Wales coach Warren Gatland for regional duty this weekend.

But Lee Harrison made his first appearance of the season in Belfast after a foot operation last summer while Jamie Corsi is fit again after rib and back problems.

Hugh Gustafson may recover from a back problem in time to deputise for Black.

Two players not expected to make it, however, are wing Richard Mustoe because of a continuing groin problem and lock Luke Charteris, still recovering from neck and shoulder injuries while centre Paul Emerick is struggling with an ankle injury and Dan Lydiate and Nic Fitisemanu are long term injury victims.

Centre Gareth Maule, who damaged knee ligaments against Newcastle at the beginning of November, is expected back soon.