ROB Howley is relishing the chance to unleash Newport Gwent Dragons teenager Tyler Morgan's attack talent as Wales search for a 13 in the build-up to the World Cup.

Head coach Warren Gatland will be unable to field his first-choice midfield partnership at England 2015 after Jonathan Davies suffered knee ligament damage playing for Clermont Auvergne.

That means a new partner for Jamie Roberts with Scarlets centre Scott Williams appearing to be in pole position.

However, attack coach Howley insists that the 13 jersey is up for grabs with wing George North, Dragons pair Morgan and Jack Dixon and Cardiff Blues' Cory Allen also in contention.

"Jonathan's injury opens a spot up for all the centres in the squad. We have to look at those combinations after we've done all the hard fitness work," said the former scrum-half.

"It is so disappointing to lose a quality player like Jonathan – he has been instrumental with his combination with Jamie and any squad in world rugby would miss such a player.

"But in international rugby you have to move on and another door opens for the other centres to challenge for a place in the World Cup squad. We feel we have good options.

"We've played George at centre and that's a decision we have to look at in training and friendlies, and our selections in those friendlies will give a strong indication about who we will select in midfield."

Dixon, who can play 13 but is primarily a 12, is an outsider for selection and earning a first cap over the summer and learning from senior figures would be a success for the 20-year-old from Newbridge.

But Morgan, 19, is suddenly looking good for a place in the squad when Gatland whittles his 47 down to 31 on August 31 after the second warm-up against Ireland.

The teenager from Caerleon is on a national dual contract and was selected in the Six Nations squad only to be denied the chance to push for a cap by a knee problem.

Morgan, who is also comfortable on the wing, has shown his talents at regional level and for Wales Under-20s and Howley is excited at the prospect of honing his undoubted talents.

"When Tyler came into camp with us (in the Six Nations) we weren't able to work with him as much as we wanted as a coaching team from both a defence and attack perspective," he said.

"But he is very good at the lines he runs in attack – particularly out lines – and is a fantastic footballer with an X-factor and the ability to beat player. He has all the skills that are important for an outside centre."