ROB McCusker will lead the Scarlets in Treviso tonight (6.05 BST) as further proof of his burgeoning status within the game in Wales.

A minor hamstring injury picked up in training ruled out David Lyons for the region's Magners League opener in northern Italy.

And with skipper-for-the-season Matthew Rees not yet ready to return to the fray after his summer exertions with the national team, Nigel Davies has handed McCusker the responsibility of captaincy for the tricky assignment at Stadio Monigo.

It is a feather in the cap of the 24-year-old former Mold flanker, who is being seen as one of Welsh rugby's upwardly mobile players after his performances for Wales in New Zealand, culminating in a strong showing in opposition to a powerful All Blacks back row led by Richie McCaw.

Viewed as a future leader of the Scarlets, McCusker is in charge of a side that is bolstered by Morgan Stoddart (hamstring) and Rhys Priestland (shoulder) passing fitness tests.

Ken Owens, Tavis Knoyle, Jon Davies and new signing Jonny Fa'amatuainu offer firepower off the bench, but the Scarlets can expect the Italians to try to exploit the absence of Rees, Lyons, Stephen Jones and Sean Lamont.

Head coach Davies said: "We have clear plans for our most senior internationals throughout what is a long and competitive season and we have to make sure we get the very most out of them when they do play and at key times.

"Added to that, we are now starting to see real strength in depth in this squad.

''I am really comfortable with the mix of players we now have and believe it's the strongest since I came here.

''This team is one that I firmly believe is the best selection that we can make at this time.

"Treviso will be up for it, but so will we."

Ospreys centre Jonathan Spratt, meanwhile, has undergone surgery to repair the knee ligament damage that has ruined his season.

The twice-capped Ospreys centre, who suffered a cruciate problem in the friendly against a Regional Select XV last month, has been told he faces a long lay-off from the game.

mark.orders@swwmedia.co.uk