NEWPORT-born Jamie Roberts, the 21-year-old medical student with Cardiff Blues, is set to win his first cap in his preferred full back position when he comes up against the player he regards as his idol.

His only appearance for Wales so far was on the wing against Scotland in this year's Six Nations Championship, but with Lee Byrne ruled out of the two-Test visit to South Africa next month and Roberts is likely to replace him.

He is expected to win the battle against Morgan Stoddart and with Mark Jones still rated a doubtful starter, it could be Blues pair Roberts at full back and Tom James, another relative newcomer, on the wing.

Roberts is ready to line up against Springbok legend Percy Montgomery, who spent three years with Newport and the Dragons, and is still going strong at 33 as South Africa's most capped player and record points scorer.

He has been released by Perpignan along with South Africa's other French based players for the series against Wales.

"Percy is one of my personal idols, he's been there and done it all," said the quietly spoken Roberts. "He's got a fine all-round game, he can run, kick and pass to the highest standard.

"He's a great goal kicker as well, so he's got everything. I've got to relish the opportunity, appreciate it and give it my all."

Roberts will have little opportunity to enjoy South Africa, for outside the Tests and training he will be spending his spare time studying.

He is in his third year of medical studies and is a rare example in the professional era of a player combining that with his studies.

"I've got my exams in July when I come back from South Africa. The others did theirs in April, but I'm sitting mine in the re-sit period in July," he said.

"I've been working hard in the library for the past month and I'll just have to lock myself away when I'm on tour.

"I hope to carry out all the activities, but when I have a free afternoon I've got to apply myself.

"I find it benefits me when I can come back into the rugby environment or the medical one fresh, it's hugely beneficial to me though I can't speak for others.

"I've had a great year, running out for my first game against the Ospreys, then getting the chance to put the red jersey on and raising the bar again. If I can do that season by season I should have a good career."

Roberts is not alone in praising Montgomery whose former Rodney Parade team-mate Ian Gough is also full of admiration for him.

"He also played in that 1998 game, he's been round the block a few times and he's had a fantastic career," said Gough.

"He was even out of the South African system for three years, now he's performed abroad and they've brought him back in. He's had a glittering career."