COACH Shaun Connor expects Newport Gwent Dragons to profit in Galway from Cory Hill's desire to keep his Wales spot for the Six Nations date with Scotland.

The lock has been released for Guinness PRO12 game time after featuring off the bench in the Championship encounters with Italy and England.

With Luke Charteris still not playing a full part in training because of hand and hamstring injuries, Hill will be keen to put in a big display against champions Connacht at the Sportsground to show that his form ahead of the trip to Murrayfield a week on Saturday.

The Dragons are yet to win away from home this season but backs coach Connor hopes the return of their in-form lock, an influential figure at the lineout, can help them upset the odds.

"It's a massive boost. Cory is on a high coming from playing international rugby and acquitting himself really well so is bouncing to get back on the field for us," said the former fly-half.

"It starts by putting in performances for us and hopefully then he can keep putting pressure on the more established international players, and hopefully try and establish himself."

The Dragons have been boosted by the release of Hill while Connacht are strengthened by a quartet of players in Joe Schmidt's Ireland squad.

Scrum-half Kieran Marmion, lock Ultan Dillane, full-back Tiernan O'Halloran and prop Finlay Bealham will feature with backs coach Conor McPhillips thrilled to have them back in the mix.

"We're definitely happy to have them back here this week," he said. "These guys add a buzz when they come back because they have been in a high-class environment.

"It shows when they play for us, like Tiernan (against Cardiff Blues) at the weekend, and Finlay when he came off the bench.

"They are hungry to perform for Connacht because they know if they perform for Connacht, they give themselves every chance to be selected for Ireland.

"Marmion was playing really well before he went away and brings a real tempo to the game, Tiernan drives our counter-attack game from the back, Ultan brings physical presence up front, and again Finlay has been doing his job in the set-piece.

"They don't take their places for granted. They work hard during the week, so there is a good buzz about the place."