Dwayne Peel must get a medical all-clear to face Ulster on Friday

Llanelli Scarlets hope to have Dwayne Peel passed fit to play in Friday's Magners League match at Ulster.

Peel has been released from Wales' Six Nations squad at his own request, but must pass a medical examination after suffering a head injury against Italy.

Wales back-row Alix Popham is also available along with Simon Easterby.

Ulster will hope to find a fitting victory to honour their Ireland prop Simon Best, who retired this week from professional rugby on medical advice.

The 30-year-old, who has won 23 caps, was diagnosed with an irregular heart rhythm after being taken ill during the World Cup in France in September.

Peel started his first match of the championship against Italy on Saturday, but was replaced by Mike Phillips early in the second half because of injury.

PREVIOUS MEETING 12 October, 2007: Scarlets 32-8 Ulster

Popham has been unused in Wales' last two games, while Ireland flanker Easterby only played the final stages against Scotland last Saturday.

The Scarlets ended a four-match losing run in their last outing on 15 February, when they beat Glasgow Warriors 30-7 at Stradey Park.

They will head to Ravenhill with limited second row options as they aim to maintain their league title ambitions.

Vernon Cooper (broken hand), Adam Eustace (knee) and Scott MacLeod (shoulder) are all out, leaving Lou Reed and Dominic Day as they only fit locks.

Prop Ben Broster (hamstring) is also unlikely to start, but hooker Ken Owens is available after recovering from a lengthy knee injury.

"Ken's had an interesting year and a half since I arrived," said Scarlets director of rugby Phil Davies. "He's got great potential and is one for the future.

"It's great to see him back. He's worked tremendously hard with the medical and conditioning staff here and it's good to see him back on the pitch.

"He's got a lot of frustration which I hope we'll some coming out in a positive way on Friday night."

Ulster: tbc

Scarlets (from):Backs: Morgan Stoddart, Dafydd James, Darren Daniel, Nathan Brew, Regan King, Gavin Evans, Rhys Priestland, Ceiron Thomas, Dwayne Peel, Gavin Cattle, Lee Williams.
Forwards: Iestyn Thomas, Phil John, Deacon Manu, Mahonri Schwalger, Ken Owens, Lou Reed, Dominic Day, Dafydd Jones, Gavin Thomas, James Bater (capt), Simon Easterby, Nathan Thomas, Alix Popham.

Referee: Andy Macpherson (SRU).