FORMER Newport centre Matthew Watkins has urged Welsh fans not to be so fickle and back his team-mates during this month's internationals against Ireland, England, Scotland and Romania.

Wales have been struggling to sell their tickets for the home internationals and Watkins has urged supporters to start supporting coach Steve Hansen's side.

Watkins was at Newport's Tesco Extra store in Cardiff Road, Maesglas, yesterday to try to help ticket sales.

He said: "It's a shame that the side isn't being better supported by the public in terms of ticket sales but I guess that is largely down to the results in the Six Nations.

"No-one wants to go and watch a losing side and Welsh fans are no different. But what the side really needs at a time like this is support.

"It's easy to support a winning side as Cardiff City and the Welsh football team have found out.

"However, when things aren't going your way then you would hope supporters would stick by you and that is not happening."

Watkins has also revealed how he is using his injury nightmare as a Newport player to help him through his latest setback.

The former Newport centre broke down in training during Wales' tour of Australia and New Zealand after being called into the squad to cover for injuries.

The 24-year-old has suffered knee ligament damage and faces around another month out of action.

But after his injury nightmare with Newport he knows he has what it takes to come through such a serious set-back.

"Basically this is nothing compared to what I suffered with Newport," admitted Watkins.

"Back in 1999 during a game against Caerphilly I basically snapped my ankle and was out of action for a year.

"But I came through it and returned to full-fitness so I know I can come back from this.

"I've targeted the Romania game as my comeback as Steve Hansen has said he'll use that for fringe players, so it'll give me an opportunity.

"But if I'm not back for that then I guess the Llanelli Scarlets' first game of the season will be an ideal chance."

Ironically, that game is against the Gwent Dragons, a side Watkins could have been playing for had things turned out differently.

But they didn't and Watkins is relishing the chance to return back to action...although he knows he'll have to be patient.

"It's so frustrating seeing the rest of the Welsh guys doing all their fitness work over the past three weeks while I've been relatively limited in what I can do," he said.

'But I know I can't rush back and the Wales physio, Mark Davies, has been making sure I don't do too much. It's just one step at a time.

"But I'm still confident of making the squad and just need the chance to prove myself."

PICTURED: Ex-Newport centre Matthew Watkins pictured playing against England