GLASGOW Caley coach Richie Dixon has warned his team to prepare for a Good Friday backlash from Celtic League pace-setters Cardiff at the Arms Park.

Dixon reckons the Welshmen will still be smarting from last weekend's tame European Cup defeat by Llanelli - and he declared: ''They are likely to be more dangerous than at any other time during the season.''

Under-pressure Cardiff chief Lynn Howells has responded to the Stradey Park reverse by dropping ace kicker Neil Jenkins and free-scoring winger Liam Botham.

Dixon insists their absence will not weaken the line-up, which he declared has shown throughout the campaign that they have terrific strength in depth.

''On one hand, we have to be relieved the likes of Jenkins won't be on from the start, but on the other, we will have to deal instead with Irish Test man Paul Burke at No. 10.''

Dixon's cause has been hampered by the withdrawal of international flanker Gordon Simpson with a foot injury, but Gareth Flockhart makes a welcome return at open-side in the wake of his long-running injury problems.

Home coach Howells admitted: ''This is an enormous challenge after what happened at Llanelli. We expect a capacity crowd - and they will be expecting us to make amends. Caley have played some marvellous rugby over the past few months and we know it will be mega-tough.''

Cardiff - M Rayer; N Walne, G Thomas, J Robinson, C Morgan; P Burke, R Howley; S John, J Humphreys, D Young (capt), S Moore, J Tait, O Williams, M Williams, E Lewis. Replacements - R Powell, N Jenkins, L Botham, M Voyle, M Morgan, G Powell, D Gerraghty.

Glasgow Caley - G Metcalfe; J Craig, A Bulloch, I Jardine, I McInroy; T Hayes, A Nicol (capt), D Hilton, G Scott, G McIlwham, S Campbell, D Burns, J White, G Flockhart, J Petrie. Replacements: - R Shepherd, B Irving, F Stott, M Waite, D Macfadyen, A Watt, G Bulloch.

Referee - David R Davies (WRU).