NEWPORT Gwent Dragons back row forward Keddie is determined to 'leave his mark' against Ealing Trailfinders tomorrow as the battle for places in the Guinness Pro12 opener hots up.

The Dragons are poised to ring the changes for the clash at their training base in Ystrad Mynach (kick-off 3pm) following last Friday's win against Cardiff Blues.

Keddie is among those who will come in, poised to slot in at blindside flanker next to the experienced number eight Ed Jackson.

The 20-year-old from Llanvaches made his regional debut in the Pro12 finale at Zebre last season and is poised for a more prominent role in the upcoming campaign after starring for Wales Under-20s in the Six Nations and World Rugby U20 Championship.

Head coach Kingsley Jones intends to bring the burgeoning back rower through slowly as he gets to grips with life against the big boys but Keddie hopes to stake a claim for a place in the squad against Ulster on Friday, September 2.

"Nobody wants to watch on a weekend after playing a part in training and we all want to leave a mark whenever we can so that we put our hands up for selection," said Keddie, a Principality Premiership winner with Ebbw Vale last year.

"I want to be seen as a real option for the coaches and to be involved in the squads on weekends, so Ealing is a good chance for all of us to set our stall out.

"We can set the tone and a big performance will put you in the shop window. There aren't too many opportunities with just three pre-season games, so all of us are determined to give it our best shot on Saturday.

"It's important to take any chances that come your way and after a good break I can't wait to get out there."

Incredibly impressive and powerful displays when helping Wales win a first Grand Slam at under-20 level meant there was plenty of hype about Keddie last season, especially when Taulupe Faletau's move to Bath was confirmed.

But the back rower, who played in the Singha Premiership 7s for the Dragons last month, has always stressed that he will be patient while learning the ropes.

"It's my first time having a full year with the seniors after training in dribs and drabs," he said. "It's exciting to make that change and to try and push forward.

"As a young player you can't expect to just walk into a team and start because it's a lot different to age-grade rugby but hopefully I can get opportunities throughout the season to learn and get more experience.

"Like anything in life you are never going to be excellent when you start; it will take time to settle in and I just need to make sure I keep improving throughout the season.

"The coaches have told me to just do what I am good at, to not overthink things and stay relaxed rather than overplay. Trying to force things when trying to impress is the worst thing you can do."

Head coach Jones has already stressed the important of versatility this season for his forwards given a schedule that will stretch his squad to the limit and Keddie is happy to slot in wherever, be it his preferred number eight or blindside.

"It's important to learn all the roles because you never know what can happen week to week. You have to be ready," he said.

"This weekend I will be at 6 with Ed at 8 and I think that all of us in the back row will have to be versatile this season."

– The Ealing game is free for season ticket holders, who must get a match ticket from the Dragons ticket office. Entry costs £10 for adults, £5 for concessions and £2 for under-16s. There is no parking at the ground.