Scarlets boss Nigel Davies has found his front-row options limited

Scarlets head coach Nigel Davies has decided against signing a tight-head prop to boost their Magners League challenge after a series of injuries.

The Scarlets have lost tight-heads Deacon Manu and Peter Edwards to broken arms, with Rhys Thomas already on the long-term casualty list.

"We looked what's out there and weighed everything up," Davies said.

"I'm working within our budget, we firmly feel that the right thing to do is to look to develop from within."

The Scarlets had been linked with a move for Scotland prop Euan Murray after his surprise departure from Northampton Saints.

But after an inexperienced Scarlets side - including young tight-head Simon Gardner - produced an impressive 38-15 Heineken Cup win at Benetton Treviso at the weekend to go top of Pool 5, Davies is content to make do with what he already has.

"We've got a number of young players that we'll look to work through the system maybe quicker than we would normally," Davies said.

Rhys Thomas is going to be there or thereabouts by the Leicester game Scarlets head coach Nigel Davies

"What we have got is a lot of good, young prospects and we'll be backing ourselves to develop those as we have with most of the rest of the group.

"But having said that, Rhys Thomas is going to be there or thereabouts by the Leicester game [on 14-16 January] anyway."

Next up for the Scarlets is a return to Magners League action with the Boxing Day derby at the Ospreys.

The Ospreys pack has impressed in their European campaign and spearheaded their home win over Munster, and will be lying in wait at the Liberty Stadium for the Scarlets eight.

"We've managed well to date, we're not restricted in terms of tight-heads as we are in Europe," Davies added.

"So I've got no reason to doubt that we can't be competitive in that area.

"Obviously I think it's an area that they'll target but that's fine, because we'll also target certain areas of the game as well."

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