EBBW Vale loose head prop Ian George has been called into the Newport Gwent Dragons squad for Friday night's Magners League game against Edinburgh at Rodney Parade.

George steps in because the Dragons are without Adam Black, who is suspended after being sent off in the last game against Ulster, and Hugh Gustafson has been suffering from a disc problem in his back, though he has been included in the squad.

George, who has also had spells with Cross Keys and London Welsh, has played for the Dragons before when he made one appearance for them two seasons ago, ironically against Edinburgh, though in Scotland rather than at home.

He returned to Ebbw Vale from London Welsh in November and the 24-year-old has scored five tries for them since.

Elsewhere the Dragons are far more up to strength with the return of half-a-dozen players from the injury list as they set about trying to avoid finishing fourth Welsh team in the league in the run-in to the end of the season.

Skipper Colin Charvis and Kevin Morgan both return, as predicted in yesterday's Argus, while centre Rhodri Davies, back row pair Joe Bearman and Jamie Ringer and Gustafson are all back in the squad.

"The guys returning from injury will bring a whole array of experience and balance to the squad," said coach Paul Turner.

"After a reasonable Christmas period in the Magners League the squad were fully tested going into the European games when the injury list was taking its toll.

"The next two fixtures (against Edinburgh and Glasgow on Sunday, March 30 - the Ospreys game scheduled the week before has been postponed) are huge for us in terms of moving up the league.

"Two home games on the bounce gives us a real opportunity to show other teams what we can do, and the players will be looking to capitalise on the home advantage."

Edinburgh are able to recall Scottish internationals Nick De Luca, David Callam and Ross Rennie though Rhys Thomas is not available for the Dragons.

Centre Ben Cairns, the youngest member of the Edinburgh back division, will captain their side.

Coach Andy Robinson, formerly in charge of England, said "I think he's one for the future and he's done really well this season for Edinburgh and Scotland A.

"It's good to be able to welcome back our international players, it's important we put in a strong performance against a very talented Dragons side."

Dragons squad: K Morgan, M Thomas, G Wyatt, P Emerick, R Davies, A Smith, R Fussell, C Sweeney, A Thomas, W Evans, A Williams, H Gustafson, I George, B Daly, S Jones, L Harrison, G Robinson, A Hall, A Jones, P Sidoli, C Charvis (captain), J Ringer, J Bearman, R Parks, M Owen.

Edinburgh team: C MacRae, A Turnbull, B Cairns (captain), N De Luca, R Reid, P Godman, B Meyer, A Allori, A Kelly, S Smith, M Mustchin, B Gissing, A Macdonald, D Callam, R Rennie. Replacements: S Lawrie, G Kerr, C Hamilton, S Cross, G Laidlaw, J Houston, M Dey. Kick off 7.10pm.