DORIAN Jones wants to show boss Bernard Jackman that he deserves to be a contender for the Dragons 10 jersey by shining in Bordeaux on Saturday night.

The 26-year-old will be brought in from the cold to pull the strings in the crunch European Challenge Cup clash at the Stade Chaban-Delmas (kick-off 8pm).

Jones, who has another year to run on his Dragons contract, has made just two appearances since his father Kingsley was replaced by Jackman in the Rodney Parade hotseat.

The fly-half came off the bench in the unfamiliar position of outside centre in the win against Connacht and started in the hammering at Ulster in September when forced off by injury at half-time.

Gavin Henson, Angus O'Brien and Arwel Robson have been ahead of Jones in the pecking order and he knows that he must grasp his opportunity.

"I've been waiting for a long time to have a game and it great to get back in," said the fly-half, who has racked up 62 Dragons appearances since 2013.

"There's no bigger game, I thrive on going to tough places to play and Bordeaux is certainly one of those. I am just looking forward to it and enjoying the experience of being back in the team.

"It's been very frustrating but I've just been focusing on myself and making sure I am playing well whether with Ebbw Vale (in the Premiership) or in the British & Irish Cup.

"I knew my chance would come at some point and this is an opportunity for me. I was obviously really disappointed not to have a chance again, so it's important that I enjoy it and take it."

Jones has an added incentive to produce a performance to earn the faith of Jackman given that the Dragons will host Edinburgh at Eugene Cross Park next month.

The fly-half first caught the eye with Ebbw Vale in Division One East before moving to Cross Keys in the Premiership to earn a professional deal.

Jones returned to the Steelmen in recent weeks and rediscovered both his form and his love for the game.

"I feel I've played well for Ebbw Vale in the last few weeks and it's just important that I transfer that into the Dragons jersey," said Jones, who was replaced by Jackman for walking in the pre-season loss to Glasgow at Eugene Cross Park.

"I love going back to Ebbw Vale, they are my home team and the people there are so friendly and passionate. It's relaxed and I really enjoy playing there, so it's important I transfer that over and see what happens."

The Dragons need to avoid defeat in Bordeaux and then triumph in the return fixture in Newport a week on Saturday if they are to make the quarters as one of three best runners-up.

They travel to France on the back of defeats to Newcastle, Cardiff Blues, the Ospreys and the Scarlets, a run that means the squad has a point to prove.

"There is personal pride, we have been criticised a lot and every player wants to perform well and prove that they are good enough," said Jones.

"We will go out there, enjoy it and express ourselves. France is a place that we've got a bit of joy from and we don't feel the pressure, we like to be underdogs and the weight is off our shoulders."