WALES skills coach Neil Jenkins believes plenty of rugby, whether with Cross Keys or Newport Gwent Dragons, is vital in the development of promising fly-half Angus O'Brien.

The 19-year-old from Caerleon made an assured regional debut in last Friday's Guinness Pro12 derby against the Ospreys.

He booted 12 points and narrowly missed with a drop goal in the 17-15 defeat at Rodney Parade after being called from the bench.

O'Brien and fellow Keys fly-half Dorian Jones are Jason Tovey's back-up following the summer departure of ex-Italy international Kris Burton and Steffan Jones' move to Bedford on a season-long loan.

And Jenkins believes taking to the field for the Pandy Park side will be vital in ensuring the Wales Under-20s international, who made 15 appearances for the club last season, thrives when called on by the Dragons.

"For him to play in the Premiership and get the chance to play at places like Sardis Road (in Pontypridd) is going to be an eye-opener for him," said the former Wales and Lions fly-half.

"It will certainly put him in the right direction for the time with the Dragons in the Guinness Pro12. He is a talented rugby player but he needs to play games this season.

"When you're tired or have just had a bang, you've got to get up and kick for goal, put in a good touch-finder or make a good decision.

"You have to play in a tough environment to become a better player and learn about the game. In the Premiership Angus will certainly be able to do that."

Jenkins was an interested spectator at Rodney Parade last Friday to watch a quartet of Dragons teenagers – Hallam Amos, O'Brien, Tyler Morgan and Jack Dixon – line up in the backs while 20-year-old hooker Elliot Dee continued to impress up front.

"We've got a lot of good players, I know that from being out with the regions and seeing young kids out there playing," said Jenkins.

"If they play, they have a fantastic opportunity to get into the regional set-up and achieve their dream of playing for their country."

And he believes his boss Warren Gatland won't be afraid to see some of the young guns step onto the Test stage ahead of next year's World Cup.

Jenkins said: "If you're good enough, you're playing well and standing out, he'll pick you.

"I don't think the door will be shut on the World Cup until Gats announces the squad. He'll give everyone an opportunity, that's what he does."