NEWPORT centre Nathan Brew sees this year's Under-21 World Cup as the perfect opportunity to show new Gwent coach Mike Ruddock exactly what he can do.

Brew (pictured) was yesterday named in Wales' 26-man under-21 squad to take part in the tournament.

And the 21-year-old intends to show Ruddock and the rest of the Gwent coaching staff that he deserves a place in Gwent's starting line-up next season.

"It's obviously a great opportunity for me to show what I can do," admitted Brew.

"I've spoken to Mike Ruddock and he's said that he intends to come down and watch me, so there's a huge incentive for me to do well.

"I didn't start the season that well, that was perhaps because the new Newport coaching staff didn't know what I was capable of.

"But as the season went on I started to force myself into the reckoning and towards the end I was cementing a regular place.

"So I find myself in the same situation as last season really, there will be new coaches that I will have to impress and the World Cup gives me a great platform.

"Mike has said that he intends to give youth a chance and I've been very impressed by him."

Brew has been named in the squad mainly because of his diversity as Wales coach Chris Davey explained.

"He's a very talented player but more importantly he has the ability to play in a lot of different positions and in a tournament situation he is obviously a great asset to the squad."

But despite the fact Brew can play on the wing, inside centre or outside centre, the 21-year-old knows where his future lies.

He said: "I guess it's a help that I can play in so many positions but I do see myself as an outside centre.

"However, I can't really afford to be picky at this stage of my career, I'm just happy to play.

"But next year I hope to show that outside centre is my best position and it really is a career-defining year for me."

Brew has three caps for the under-21s but has yet to score his first try, but he's not bothered about breaking his duck.

"It would obviously be nice to get that first try out of the way," admitted Brew, "but as long as the team wins that's all that matters."