HEAD coach Kingsley Jones says Newport Gwent Dragons are on the lookout for a new fly-half – but they won't make a panic buy.

Jason Tovey is the Rodney Parade region's only experienced number 10 following the summer departures of former Italy international Kris Burton and Steffan Jones, the latter of whom is spending the final year of his current contract on loan at Bedford.

He is backed up by 19-year-old academy prospect Angus O'Brien, who is fresh from playing for Wales Under-20s in the Junior World Championship, and 21-year-old Dorian Jones, who is on a dual-contract with Cross Keys.

They are a promising pair but the Dragons would be in a pickle if Tovey, the leading points scorer in the region's history, were to suffer an injury.

"If Jason falls over tomorrow I guess we would be panicking but you never know with young players and they might step in and surprise you," said Kingsley Jones.

"We are in the market for any good player and, put it this way, we could do with another 10 because there are two young fellas behind Jason.

"But we are not just going to go and sign any fly-half – if a proper 10 who is going to make us better as a team and as a group came available then we'd look at it but at this time of year it's not easy signing quality players.

"We will see how things work out but the one thing that we won't be doing is signing a 10 for the sake of it, that would be a mistake and our youngsters will get their opportunities."

The Dragons have also considered making a short-term loan to provide cover for centres Jack Dixon and Pat Leach.

The pair are the only fit senior specialists in midfield with Tyler Morgan (foot) expected to be miss the opening weeks of the Guinness Pro12, Ashley Smith (foot) is targeting an autumn return and Ross Wardle (knee) likely to be out until December.

Wing Aled Brew and full-back Rhys Jones have some experience in midfield while Dragons Under-18s prospects Barney Nightingale and Connor Edwards came off the bench in Sunday's pre-season win against Bristol.

It would, however, be a baptism of fire if the teenagers were flung into senior rugby.