CANADIAN prospect Will Kelly will deputise for Jason Tovey in Cross Keys' Principality Premiership clash at Pontypridd after the fly-half's Dragons call-up, writes Chris Kirwan.

Tovey has started all eight of Keys' games this season after returning to Wales from Edinburgh in the summer, the playmaker from Risca racking up 87 points.

However, the 29-year-old's exploits, and proven track record, have earned a third chance at the Dragons, leaving the Pandy Park side light at fly-half.

Kelly gets the first crack in the 10 jersey after starting at full-back in last week's 44-34 home loss to Bedwas and he will also have kicking duties.

The Canadian has joined the Dragons and came off the bench in the Celtic Cup clashes against Ulster, Leinster and the Scarlets.

The loss of Tovey is a blow, albeit an expected one, and Keys are hopeful of having more regional help in the weeks to come.

The Dragons are currently without Gavin Henson (knee), Arwel Robson (ankle) and Jacob Botica (quad) while Josh Lewis has been released for Premiership duty.

However, the 26-year-old is allocated to Ebbw Vale while the Steelmen also picked Botica in the summer draft of regional players.

Nonetheless, Keys are happy to see Tovey returning to professional rugby at Kingspan Stadium.

Head coach Morgan Stoddart said: "Jason has shown his class since his return to Wales and his kicking percentage is still up there with the best 10s in the PRO14, so it was no surprise when the Dragons got in touch.

"His experience has given us a boost, but the chance to work with the Dragons again is one we understand he can't turn down.

"Whilst we have our own objectives as a club and squad in a competitive Premiership league, we're fully supportive of what Bernard is trying to achieve at the Dragons both at senior level and within the region, through the draft of player allocations."

Keys are huge underdogs for the clash at third-placed Ponty after losing their last five games.

They have slid into 12th place, one spot outside the automatic relegation zone but the position that would mean a play-off with the Championship winners, likely to be Pontypool.

The Pandy Park side are down to the bare bones in the backs with Tovey in Belfast and both centre Dylan Fidler and wing Wes Cunliffe sidelined by injury.

Keys lost three times to Ponty in the Premiership last season, although they did cause a cup upset in coach Greg Woods' finale in January.