NEWPORT Gwent Dragons head coach Kingsley Jones admits Ollie Griffiths' recent displays have made it impossible to keep a lid on the hype surrounding the talented openside.

The 20-year-old from Newbridge will make his European debut when he lines up against Sale in the Challenge Cup at Rodney Parade tomorrow afternoon (kick-off 3.15pm).

Griffiths made his first start for the region in last week's 19-12 loss to Ulster and made a huge impression when up against Ireland World Cup ace Chris Henry.

It added the hope that the Dragons have another Wales back row forward in-waiting with expectations going through the roof after an impressive 2014/15.

He starred for Newport in the Premiership as the youngest captain in the Black and Ambers' rich history and then produced a string of incredible displays for Wales Under-20s with his man of the match effort against Ireland in the Six Nations leaving Martyn Williams purring.

"He is with the Dragons and I would get him on a five-year or ten-year deal straight away! He is going to be a star," said the legendary openside.

"We are lucky at the moment in that we've got Justin Tipuric and Sam Warburton and this boy is not going to be far behind if he keeps playing like that."

The form of Nic Cudd has meant that Griffiths has had to bid his time in Dragons colours but the breakdown specialist suffered a hip injury against the Scarlets and his all-action protégé has grasped his chance.

"Before the Ulster game I said I don't want to build him up too much but it's difficult not to. It's there for everybody to see," said Jones, himself a former international openside.

"Nic Cudd is one of the most underrated players in Welsh rugby and has got Ollie in the same position and James Benjamin as well, so we are blessed.

"Ollie is certainly the complete package of a professional rugby player at just 20. He has got it all, let's be honest – he can jump in the lineout, tackle, contest, has great understanding of the game and the way that he prepares himself is one of the best that I have seen.

"I didn't see Chris Henry last weekend and I am a big fan of him – that speaks volumes for Ollie's performance.

"But when you are young the hardest thing is consistency. The challenge for Ollie is to back it up this week against Sale."