KINGSLEY Jones believes Cory Hill's shock call-up to the Wales squad will serve as inspiration to the lock's Newport Gwent Dragons teammates that international recognition is within their grasp.

The 24-year-old was yesterday added to Rob Howley's squad for the autumn internationals, joining Alun Wyn Jones, Luke Charteris, Bradley Davies, Jake Ball and Rory Thornton as second row options.

Hill joined the Dragons from Moseley in 2013 after a short spell in the West Midlands following his release by Cardiff Blues.

The 6ft 5ins forward has grown in stature at Rodney Parade, making 65 appearances and becoming a lineout captain.

"It's fantastic for Cory and well deserved," said Jones. "He has been very patient and shown a lot of maturity.

"Over the past 12 months he has grown a lot, he is an excellent lineout leader and his biggest asset is his game understanding.

"His body height, his physicality, his work around the field has all improved. He is a student of the game.

"I knew once he got a chance to join the Wales squad that he'd impress and that's what has happened – I spoke to Rob Howley and they feel he has put a lot of good work in over the past few days.

"He has been rewarded for that, which is great news for him and the Dragons. His selection shows that all the regions' players are being looked at.

"Let's hope he gets an opportunity in the next month, but if he doesn't I am sure it will come."

Hill joins full-back/wing Hallam Amos and centre Tyler Morgan in the Wales squad while 20-year-olds Harri Keddie and Leon Brown, a back row and tighthead respectively, are training with Howley's seniors this week.

Former Wales captain Jones believes turning around the Dragons fortunes on the pitch – they have won just two of eight games this season – can help the likes of Elliot Dee, Ollie Griffiths and Jack Dixon take the next step.

"Cory came to the Dragons from Moseley and is now in the Welsh squad, that helps our players understand and believe that if they perform well they can do the same," he said.

"If this team is successful everyone in it will be successful. If we can start winning and build a run of games then there will be more players added to the list."

The Dragons must cope without Hill, Amos and Morgan for Saturday's Guinness Pro12 derby at the Ospreys as they attempt to rally from the European anguish of a 38-18 defeat to Enisei in Russia.

They are boosted by the return of hooker Rhys Thomas, who has missed the last three games with a neck injury, while flanker Ollie Griffiths is set to be involved after overcoming a shoulder niggle.

Fly-half Angus O'Brien and wing Ashton Hewitt are ill while full-back Carl Meyer is struggling with a groin problem that forced him off in Russia.

Scrum-half Charlie Davies is out after suffering a hamstring injury against Enisei so, with Sarel Pretorius having a minor back problem, Tavis Knoyle is likely to make his first start for the Dragons.