Ulster Coach Mark McCall today named a 24-man squad for the Magners League trip to the Newport-Gwent Dragons this Saturday at Rodney Parade.
After an away defeat to Edinburgh, McCall's men will be searching for a win against the Welsh side who in their opening four games have won just one.
McCall spoke after the defeat to Edinburgh and couldn't hide his frustration with his team's performance: ‘It was a very disappointing display - we didn't wake up for half-an-hour.
‘We played better in the second half but kept turning the ball over and we couldn't hold on to the ball long enough to score. At this level if you make as many mistakes as we did, especially in crucial areas of the pitch, you don't deserve to win.
‘We lacked composure. There was good build-up play to the 22 and then we tried to force passes.’
McCall has named Italian Lock Carlo Del Fava in the squad following Italy's departure from the Rugby World Cup. Del Fava, who started against Scotland at the weekend, had been involved with Ulster's pre-season before he was called up to the Italian side after recovering from an injury.
Ryan Caldwell was not considered for selection as he was red carded during the Edinburgh game and will attend a disciplinary hearing on Wednesday.
Summer signing Kieran Hallett has been named for the first time, the former Bedford Blues out half will be lining up alongside his Irish U-21 team mates Darren Cave and David Pollock.
A number of Ulster players picked up injuries from the trip to Murrayfield but have recovered enough at this stage to be included. Bryn Cunningham (dead leg) and Matt McCullough (back) travel, however, Ulster are still missing 13 players due to injury or rest following Ireland's early departure from the Rugby World Cup.
Ulster Squad v Newport-Gwent Dragons
BACKS: Paul Marshall; Kieran Campbell; Niall O'Connor; Adam Larkin; Kieran Hallett; Darren Cave; Tommy Bowe; Seamus Mallon; Simon Danielli; Mark McCrea; Mark Bartholomeusz; Bryn Cunningham
FORWARDS: Justin Fitzpatrick; Declan Fitzpatrick; Tom Court; Nigel Brady; Matt Miles; Justin Harrison; Tim Barker; Carlo Del Fava; Matt McCullough, David Pollock; Neil McMillan, Roger Wilson(C)
UNAVAILABLE FOR SELECTION: Simon Best; Jarlath Carey; Bryan Young; Rory Best; Neil Hanna; Ryan Caldwell; Kieron Dawson; Stephen Ferris; Neil Best; Isaac Boss; Paddy Wallace; David Humphreys; Paul Steinmetz
