NEWPORT are set to be boosted for their derby clash with Cardiff at Rodney Parade tomorrow by the return from injury of key tighthead prop Gethin Robinson.

The 29-year-old, who has also played 47 times for the Newport Gwent Dragons, is back after rupturing his Achilles in pre-season training.

But on the downside, the Black and Ambers have a number of regular players away on duty with the Dragons in Belfast tonight who face Ulster in the RaboDirect PRO12.

Back rowers Darren Waters, and Hugo Ellis will all be at Ravenhill this evening as part of the regional side’s match day 22.

Wales Under-20s call-ups for Jon Evans and Josh Davies also mean that they are short at scrum-half.

Tomorrow’s clash is Newport’s first since their shock 26-13 defeat to Ebbw Vale at home in the Swalec Cup a fortnight ago.

But the Black and Ambers can take heart from the fact they convincingly beat Cardiff 22-6 on January 2 with probably their performance of the season.

The victory at Cardiff Arms Park halted an eight-match losing streak with tries by Jamie Leadbeater, Elliot Frewen and Matthew Pewtner.

Newport head coach Sven Cronk said they would be looking to match that triumph this weekend.

“We didn’t give Cardiff time on the ball defensively,” he said.

Referring to their injury woes in this campaign and call-ups to the Dragons squad, Cronk added: “We were able to field one of our strongest sides that day – we haven’t been able to put the same team out twice so far this season.”

Newport will also be looking to secure their third league win on the bounce with victory over Cardiff after they beat Tonmawr away in mid-January.

They also have the added incentive of the possibility of moving above great Gwent rivals Pontypool should they win and Pooler lose.