NEWPORT Gwent Dragons are hoping that Ben John will be a reassuring, Pat Leach-like figure in their midfield after signing the Ospreys centre on an emergency loan.

The 23-year-old has signed on a month-to-month basis and is thrown straight into the side for this afternoon's Guinness Pro12 clash with in-form Glasgow at Rodney Parade.

The Dragons are down to the bare bones in midfield with Leach (knee), Jack Dixon (wrist), Tyler Morgan (knee) and Ross Wardle (knee) all sidelined.

Ashley Smith is back in full training but the management have opted not to risk him today, giving the 12 jersey to fly-half Dorian Jones instead.

The midfield back-up is 17-year-old Newport High School student Barney Nightingale, who made a one-minute cameo off the bench against Connacht on opening weekend.

John has played 33 times for the Ospreys since his regional debut in 2010 and played for Aberavon against Cross Keys in the Principality Premiership last weekend.

Dragons head coach Kingsley Jones hopes that the 6ft 5ins centre will pose the Warriors plenty of problems.

"Ben is a similar player to Pat Leach in that he is good defensively, is strong, quick, tall and a good ball player," said Jones.

"It's great to have him given our situation in midfield and he has slotted in really well in training. It will be a big ask to go up against Glasgow after a couple of sessions with us but he has the

"We are grateful that the Ospreys have been able to help us out and I think it's something that the regions should be doing more of."

The Dragons new-look midfield will be locking horns with Scotland internationals Peter Horne and Alex Dunbar while Jason Tovey's injury means they have novice Angus O'Brien at fly-half.

"Dorian is a good footballer and did well when he played centre against Bristol in pre-season," said the head coach.

"Both Dorian and Angus are young and inexperienced but I am sure they will help each other out throughout the game.

"Our forwards have been shaping up well this season and we need them to put in another good performance to help out youngsters behind."

The Dragons recall Richie Rees to provide experience from scrum-half and they boast an all-international back three of Tom Prydie, Aled Brew and Hallam Amos.