Whites put their faith in squad strength

SWANSEA'S players have been urged to dig deep as they look to keep their title bid on track at Glamorgan Wanderers tomorrow.

The Whites will be affected by a number of regional calls ahead of the trip to Ely.

The Ospreys have named Gareth Owen, Nicky Thomas, Rhodri Wells and Ross Davies in their squad for the clash with Glasgow tonight, meaning Richard Webster's side will have to rely on squad strength at the Memorial Ground.

But team manager Ian Hopkins believes Swansea have the confidence to cope with the absences, a point backed up by the way the St Helen's side recovered from a 19-8 half-time deficit at Carmarthen Quins last week to claim victory.

"There is a cracking spirit in the squad at the moment, and that was proved last Saturday when we came away with a bonus point away from home," he said.

"They are a good side and not many teams will come away from there with a bonus-point win under their belts."

The Wanderers go into the clash eighth in the table and boosted by victory at Cross Keys last weekend.

"They are a good side at home and a tough nut to crack and we respect that," added Hopkins.

"We'll be asking the boys to dig deep and front up tot he challenge.

Swansea hand a debut to South Africa Hano Dirkson at full-back, while Adrian Thomas comes in at centre for illness victim Chris Shelmerdine.

Captain Sam Kiley looks set to recover from a knock picked up last week in order to partner Huw Alford at lock, with Sam Lewis again named on the flank.

Swansea: H. Dirkson; L. Bevan, A. Thomas, D. Watts, N. Jones; J. Dixon, R. Wells; R. Jones, A. Joy, A. Clatworthy, H. Alford, S. Kiley (capt), L. Jones, S. Jones, S. Lewis. Reps: L. May, S. Baldwin, A-W. Davies, P. Arnold, M. Popham, P. Tucker, D. Karauna.