WALES boss Warren Gatland has declared that Tyler Morgan is one for future World Cups after injury scuppered the Newport Gwent Dragons teenager's England 2015 dream.

Gatland and his coaching team are huge fans of the 19-year-old from Caerleon – hence he was awarded a national dual contract last winter – but have instead opted for Cory Allen in their 31-strong squad.

Cardiff Blues centre Allen was travelling reserve in last Saturday's 16-10 victory against Ireland in Dublin and the 22-year-old, who won his second cap as a replacement against Australia last autumn, has made the most of a Morgan injury blow.

The Dragons teenager made his Test debut against the Irish at the Millennium Stadium at the start of the month but was sidelined the following week after taking a blow in the training camp at Colwyn Bay.

"The hard thing for Tyler is that when we went up to north Wales he picked up a groin injury and didn't train for 10 days," said Gatland.

"It was probably experience and that injury swayed it in Cory's favour but Tyler is absolutely one for the future.

"He is going to play a lot of games for Wales because he has got incredible potential and we are a little bit limited in midfield with our options and if somebody does pick up an injury hopefully Tyler will get that opportunity."

Morgan, meanwhile, tweeted after the announcement: "Devastated not to be included in the 31, been a great experience for me! Congrats and all the best to Wales at RWC2015."

Allen is likely to be fourth-choice centre at the tournament with powerhouse wing George North acting as deputy to Jamie Roberts and Scott Williams.

"It was a big game for Jamie and Scott against Ireland at the weekend because we had spoken about using George there," said Gatland.

"Long term George could end up at centre and it reminds me of players like Ma'a Nonu and Tana Umaga, who started on the wing for the All Blacks and moved to midfield. George could have a similar role."

Gatland will ring the changes for Saturday's final World Cup warm-up against Italy in Cardiff (kick-off 5pm) and could even call up players who received bad news yesterday.

The head coach rang Morgan, wing Eli Walker, flanker Ross Moriarty, props Rob Evans and Scott Andrews, fly-half/full-back Gareth Anscombe and hooker Kristian Dacey before the 31 was read out by Welsh Rugby Union chairman Gareth Davies at midday. The unlucky ones will have the opportunity for a face-to-face debrief this week.