DIRECTOR of rugby Jonathan Westwood says opportunity knocks for the flankers at Cross Keys with the chance to fill the boots of sidelined skipper Scott Matthews.

The 22-year-old captain is expected to be out for at least three months after having surgery on his ankle.

Matthews has been one of the Principality Premiership's top performers since heading to Pandy Park and was named the league's player of the year in 2014/15.

The openside was named as skipper in the summer but his deputy James Leadbeater will now have the honour until the run-in at the earliest.

"It's a huge blow for to lose our captain and one of the leading players in the league while it's a shame for Scotty, who's like a bear with a sore head," said Westwood.

"But it creates opportunities for others and we have brought in Rhys Fitzgerald from Penallta, who came on at the end of last week's win against RGC 1404, while Josh Skinner could get a run at 7.

"Somebody has to step up and grab the jersey, just like Scotty did when he was a youngster and got his first chance."

Keys head to Llanelli this evening attempting to maintain a push for the top half of the Premiership at a ground where their title challenge faltered last season.

Keys make the trip west in buoyant mood thanks to a hard-fought win at Bargoed and an excellent home success against RGC 1404 last Friday.

They have given their hopes of a spot in the top eight when the January split takes place a boost, keeping alive their chances of being in the mix for the title rather than simply playing out time in the New Year.

"We are bitterly disappointed with how we have played so far this season," said Westwood. "It's very easy to say that we are looking to blood youngsters but our performances haven't been good enough.

"I don't want to be one of those saying it's all about development with the ring-fencing and we know as coaches and players that we have fallen short so far.

"Since half-time at Bargoed we have improved and we will look to build momentum, get as many wins as we can and rattle a few cages."

Keys have got used to being at the head of the table in recent seasons and were top of the pile at Christmas last year only for a glut of postponements to stall their progress.

They suffered a first league defeat in 11 games when a rusty performance at Parc y Scarlets resulted in a 48-22 stuffing last January.

"We have to have a very good set piece to dominate field position against Llanelli and put them under pressure," said Westwood. "We have to kick well because they have got the ability to punish you."