Dean Ryan hails fantastic experience for Dragons lock Ben Carter

The talented 20-year-old from Undy is in the mix for a return to squad for the United Rugby Championship clash with the Stormers at Rodney Parade on Friday evening (kick-off 7.35pm).

The up-and-coming forward sat out the stunning 35-22 triumph against Connacht last Saturday after director of rugby Ryan freshened up his pack because of a six-day turnaround from the battling 7-6 loss to Leinster.

Carter had joined forces with summer singing and fellow Wales lock Will Rowlands against the PRO14 champions but endured some set piece wobbles when running the lineout.

It was a small speedbump for an diligent and talented prospect who has impressed his coaches by the way that he has taken to senior rugby.

CALLER: Ben Carter on lineout duty

"Ben is a young man and had a tough day against one of the best defensive lineouts around," said Ryan about the lock, who was a travelling reserve in Galway.

"I said to him that it was a fantastic experience. It hurts, because it's in a public space and not many go to work in a public space and get criticised, but he has to learn, get back out there and get better at it.

"I know he will, it's just one of those days when it hurts and we have all had them. Some of us have had quite a few of them! I said it won't be his last but let's see what he learns from it."

Carter has played 25 competitive games of senior rugby – 22 with the Dragons and three with Wales.

He made his debut against Munster in November and went on to become a mainstay of the pack with his exploits earning a first Test call.

Wayne Pivac partnered him with Rowlands against Canada at Principality Stadium and he kept his spot for the internationals against a physical Argentina pack.

Ben Carter arriving at the Sportsground with the Dragons

Carter could continue his development this autumn with a first chance to learn at close quarters from legendary lock Alun Wyn Jones and his fellow Lion Adam Beard.

He will also have to battle to get his place back at the Dragons after Joe Makysmiw impressed next to Rowlands in his first start of the campaign, with Joe Davies coming off the bench at the Sportsground.

Lock Matthew Screech, who became a Wales international against the Pumas, left for Cardiff last summer but there is still fierce competition for the two spots.

"We've got a really good group of second rows here and we all work really well together," said Maksymiw.

"Fair play to Carts, he had a great year and was outstanding. Will has come in and his stats have been fantastic and you know what big Joe offers.

"To learn off each other and compete is vital, then you have to take your chance when it comes."