NEWPORT Gwent Dragons backs coach Shaun Connor hopes Tyler Morgan can string together a run of games in midfield – but has warned the Wales centre faces a scrap for the 13 jersey.

The 21-year-old from Caerleon was released from Rob Howley's autumn squad earlier in the month because of a hamstring problem that prevented him from playing a full part in training.

However, Morgan returned to action off the bench in Friday's 36-21 Anglo-Welsh Cup victory against the Scarlets and will be in contention for a spot against Edinburgh in the Guinness Pro12 at Rodney Parade on Sunday.

The bright prospect's progress has been hampered by injury and last season he made just six appearances after suffering a dislocated shoulder suffered in Wales' World Cup quarter-final defeat to South Africa.

He has already equalled that tally this season but faces a fight to get the nod at outside centre with summer recruit Sam Beard showing impressive form, scoring two tries against the Scarlets, while Jack Dixon and Adam Warren are also in the mix.

"Tyler is a quality player with all the bits to his game – he is quick, he is sharp, he can pass, he can kick," said former fly-half Connor.

"He can do everything but what he hasn't had is a run of games to be able to do it consistently. Touch wood he can stay fit and can start producing performances that we know that he can.

"I don't think his injury was as bad as Wales first thought, they though it would keep him out of the autumn internationals, but he has worked hard and recovered a little bit quicker than expected.

"Part of that recovery process was giving him 20 minutes against the Scarlets. Hopefully he will be fit and ready to go against Edinburgh, but we have a lot of quality in the midfield and back three."

Beard will hope to get the nod on Sunday against the side he left last summer while the Scots will be able to call on the services of Jason Tovey.

The fly-half, the leading scorer in the Dragons' history, headed north at the end of the last season and his exploits were rewarded with a permanent deal.

Five of Edinburgh's squad – prop Allan Dell, hooker Ross Ford, lock Grant Gilchrist and back row forwards Hamish Watson and Magnus Bradbury – were involved in Scotland's win over Argentina last weekend and Vern Cotter's side finish their autumn campaign against Georgia in Kilmarnock on Saturday.