Pro14: Scarlets' Johnny McNicholl and Tom Prydie out for the season

Johnny McNicholl joined Scarlets from Crusaders

Scarlets have suffered a blow in their bid to retain their Pro14 title with the news that full-back Johnny McNicholl and wing Tom Prydie expected to be out for the rest of the season.

Scarlets say both players were hurt in their 20-13 defeat by Leinster.

McNicholl, who was replaced after 11 minutes against Leinster, had a shoulder operation yesterday.

Prydie is due to have surgery today on an ankle injury as the duo join centre Jonathan Davies on the sidelines.

New Zealander McNicholl has scored eight tries in 17 matches this season.

Coach Wayne Pivac says the region's strength in depth will be tested this Saturday at home to Ulster.

'We're having to call on a lot of the young backs, we've got Ioan Nicholas and Corey Baldwin and now we've brought wing Ryan Conbeer into the squad," said Pivac.

"It's a good opportunity for them, they've been excited in training and now they'll get tested on a decent stage against an Ulster team with the same motivation as we have.

"They've got loads of potential, they're confident in and around our senior guys. I'm excited to see how they go, I think they've got big futures in the game."

Victims of own success

Before losing two of last week's starting line-up to injury, the Scarlets were already without 11 of their senior squad with only James Davies and Ryan Elias released to face the Irish province.

"When you take out a lot of the leadership; such as Aaron Shingler, Steff Evans, Hadleigh Parkes and Rhys Patchell, it will have an impact on the squad," said Pivac.

"It's tougher than it was last year. We just need to knuckle down and get as many points as we can. "

The Welsh region are currently second in conference B three points behind leaders Leinster. With four teams realistically still in the hunt for three play off positions, Pivac admits the importance of Saturday's match.

"It will be a hell of a scrap if we don't get a result this weekend," said Pivac.

"It closes right up and with Leinster coming the following week, it'll be a testing time for us."