Boss Dean Ryan has revealed dynamic back row ace Ollie Griffiths is closing in on a return as Dragons prepare to face Ulster in the Guinness PRO14 on Saturday (kick-off 7.35pm).
Griffiths made his comeback earlier in the season in Belfast and impressed against the Ulsterman.
The all-action 25-year-old could now repeat the feat as early as this weekend at the Principality Stadium in Cardiff.
And Director of Dragons Rugby Ryan believes the Newbridge-born back row could fill the void with the loss of Aaron Wainwright back to Wales this weekend.
“It was great to see Aaron come and really want to play for us and perform in front of Wayne,” said Ryan.
“You could see his influence; that first try was classic Aaron around the corner with fast feet, nobody could touch him.
“It's those things that good players really bring and Ollie is in that same mix. He is such an influential player for us, so we will see how he is.
“He isn't somebody that we rush back given his history. It's more important that he is ready to play and we are probably a bit more cautious than we are with others.
“That links into him hitting the ground running because he will have been two or three weeks chomping at the bit.”
Meanwhile, Ryan has praised the impact of fellow back row Dan Baker.
The former Ospreys man was in destructive form last weekend against his old region and Ryan admits he has brought a new element to his forward resources.
“Dan has come in and is different to the other back rowers,” said Ryan.
“You could see in the tail end of the Ospreys game that he gives us fast ball going forward and is a real catalyst for other things that we can do.”
Ryan will name his team at midday tomorrow (Friday) and added: “We won't make many changes.
“I don't think that there is need to and we will be more consistent, injury-permitting, over the next few weeks.”
He is such an influential player for us, so we will see how he is...
