JAMES Hook has been backed to solve Wales' World Cup selection headache by starting in midfield for the first time in over four years in Saturday's quarter-final against South Africa.

Warren Gatland is mulling over his options after wing Liam Williams suffered a tournament-ending foot injury against Australia.

It appears to be a straight choice between Newport Gwent Dragons' Tyler Morgan and utility back Hook; bright promise versus proven international pedigree.

Morgan, capped twice, could either slot at his preferred 13 with George North returning to the wing or the 20-year-old from Caerleon could play out wide, where he starred for his country at last year's U20 World Rugby Championship.

Hook, capped 80 times, is an option alongside Jamie Roberts in midfield where he last started on the Test scene against Italy in Rome when winning his 50th cap in the 2011 Six Nations.

The 30-year-old, called up to the squad after Scott Williams' knee injury, came off the bench against Fiji and the Wallabies and his club boss believes has the skills and temperament to help down the Springboks at Twickenham.

"James has all the attributes to play 13, as well as 10, 12, 15. He offers so much and has experience of big occasions, so I would have no hesitation in picking him for South Africa," said Gloucester director of rugby David Humphreys.

"When he went into the camp in the summer we believed he could do a job for Wales at the World Cup based on his performances for us last year, when he started the season at out-half and grew into the role.

"James has the ability to play across the back line and through the years that has almost cost him more caps.

"He has been outstanding at Gloucester and when he initially got left out of the World Cup squad he came back to us and nothing changed. He brought his enthusiasm and knew that an opportunity might arise so he had to make sure he was ready.

"I'm delighted to see him back in a Wales shirt and, to be honest, a little bit disappointed that he didn't start last week against Australia."

The former Ireland and Ulster fly-half believes Wales' fixture, like the other three ties, is too close to call.

Humphreys said: "Losing to Japan was the wake-up call South Africa needed. We all know the players they have and the physical intensity they bring to the game.

"Wales will be tested up front but with the quality of players they have I don't doubt they can get the ball needed for the likes of George North and Jamie Roberts on the front foot and pose some problems for the Boks.

"It's a tough one to call, just like all the quarter-finals."