THE Scarlets are confident influential Aussie No. 8 David Lyons will be back in the ranks for Saturday's Magners League clash against Connacht.

Lyons sat out his first league match in two seasons when a hamstring injury forced him to miss the region's 34-28 defeat in Treviso last weekend.

However, the tear is not thought to be serious and head coach Nigel Davies is set to welcome back the 44-cap Wallaby for the Parc y Scarlets encounter.

"David and Rhys Thomas suffered grade one hamstring tears which normally means a week off so we are expecting both to be involved on Saturday," said Davies.

Frustrating

The return of Lyons will be a major fillip in the wake of last weekend's disappointing loss in northern Italy. It will allow Davies to push new Wales cap Rob McCusker — who captained the side from No. 8 in Treviso — back into his preferred blindside role.

As for Thomas, he will hope his injury problems are finally behind him after a frustrating first season following his switch from the Dragons last summer.

Elsewhere, the Scarlets medical team are monitoring the fitness of full-back Morgan Stoddart who is still being troubled by a hamstring niggle.

There is good news, however, over lock Damian Welch, with an X-ray on his injured hand revealing no fracture.

Meanwhile, Davies has reiterated his stance on using the strength of his squad throughout the campaign.

"Obviously, we would have wanted to get a win first out, but we will see over the course of the season how important it is that the range of players in this squad get their opportunities and there was plenty to take from the Treviso game," he said.

"We are a Scarlets team, it's not about any one or two individuals.

"We have to back this squad as a whole and all the players within it throughout the season.

"We must give our talent the opportunity to show what it can do over the course of the season and have belief in the team and the players.

"We will see over the course of the season, how important making that investment is."

Scarlets' supporters trust Crys 16 will be hosting their annual 'Meet the New Players' night at the Quinnell Lounge, Parc y Scarlets, this evening.

Jonny Fa'amatuainu and Gavin Quinnell will be in attendance along with the region's new chief executive Mark Davies.

Doors open for the event at 7pm and entry is free to members and £5 to non-members.