OLLIE Griffiths is hungry for action after a frustrating spell on the sidelines but the Dragons flanker knows he must curb his enthusiasm off the bench against Edinburgh on Friday evening, writes Chris Kirwan.

The 22-year-old will be among the replacements in the Guinness PRO14 clash at Ebbw Vale’s Eugene Cross Park (kick-off 7.30pm).

It will be Griffiths’ first outing since an ankle injury against Enisei-STM on December 8, a blow that came after he had suffered a fractured jaw in the Challenge Cup fixture against the Russians in Moscow.

The back row forward had a stellar 2016/17 with his performances earning a first Wales cap against Tonga but has been limited to 10 games this season.

“It’s been a bit frustrating with the injuries and I missed a big chunk of the season because of my ankle,” said Griffiths.

“I will be eager after being out for 10 weeks but I can’t be too desperate in trying to come on and make a big impact because that’s when mistakes tend to happen.

“I’ve just got to come on and get involved, fitting into how the game is going and fitting into the game plan.

“Hopefully I can now string a few games together; we’ve got six games left and I want to finish the season strongly.”

Griffiths is pencilled in for a place on the bench alongside Harrison Keddie with Aaron Wainwright, James Benjamin and Lewis Evans starting, Evans also covering lock.

Injuries have hit the Dragons’ back row this season but competition is fierce once again, and will get even fiercer next season with the arrival of Wales and Lions ace Ross Moriarty.

“It is going to be massively competitive,” said Griffiths. “Nic Cudd has been out all season and will be back, Lewis was out for the majority of it and Ross Moriarty and Huw Taylor are joining.

“The competition will only bring the best out of us and there will be the ability for a bit more rotation – that will be for the best because James Benjamin has played pretty much every game this season.

“You are always amongst it in the back row and that does take a toll on the body. Performances can drop off so it will be good to have the quality to rotate and keep everyone fresh to fight for the jersey.”