PRESSURE is the buzz word for Newport Gwent Dragons scrum-half Wayne Evans this evening, writes Chris Kirwan

The Dragons are under pressure to end a three-match losing streak and record a first away win since turning over Zebre in February while the 29-year-old wants to put pressure on in-form Richie Rees.

The region get their LV= Cup campaign under way against the Scarlets in Llanelli tonight (kick-off 7.30pm) and Evans is among a host of fringe players given a chance to impress.

This season he has been limited to a 15-minute cameo against Italian minnows Mogliano and a game for the Crawshays when the invitational side took on Cambridge University.

"It's been frustrating, I wasn't picked at the start of the season and it's been hard to get back in," said the Evans, who has made more Dragons appearances than anyone else on the region's books.

"Richie Rees has done really well and both me and Jonathan Evans have just had to be patient and hope to do well when we get the chance.

"It's my turn against the Scarlets and it's up to me to put the pressure on Richie and give Lyn (Jones, director of rugby) a tough decision to make.

"I've just kept my head down, trained hard and, like everyone else who is down to play tonight, I want to give the coaches a selection headache and prove that I'm still a good player."

The Dragons head into the game on the back of a frustrating home loss to Leinster and rather more comprehensive away losses at Bath and the Ospreys.

The region beat the Scarlets when the teams met in the RaboDirect Pro12 at Rodney Parade in September and Evans is determined to make it a double.

"I always enjoy the derbies and it adds a bit extra to an LV= Cup game," said Evans. "The Scarlets won't want to lose at home, especially to another Welsh region.

"Like us, they are resting plenty but that just means that everyone has a point to prove; players on both sides will be flying into each other.

"In this tournament you need to win your home games but you also have to win at least one away, we've got to perform well but also need to get up and running.

"That puts us under pressure but that's why we play rugby and hopefully it will bring the best out of us."