SCOTT Quinnell wants to make up for lost time when he arrives in Australia with the Lions next week.

The Llanelli and Wales number eight suffered injury heartache four years ago, a double hernia wrecking any chance he had of gaining Lions Test recognition against South Africa.

Quinnell, whose father Derek was a three-time Lions tourist, could only watch from afar as Martin Johnson and company carved out a memorable 2-1 Test series triumph through victories in Cape Town and Durban.

At 28 though, and in the prime of an international career that has harvested 43 caps, Quinnell is a key element of coach Graham Henry's plans.

Even if Lawrence Dallaglio recovers from a knee injury in time, the chances are that Henry will give Quinnell a back-row start anyway, with Dallaglio primed for blindside flanker duty as opposed to his usual England number eight role.

And that would be music to Quinnell's ears, who makes no secret of his main ambition during the 10-match trip. "I came home from South Africa after a month and it was extremely disappointing because it meant that I missed all three Tests," he said. "This time I hope to be around for the Tests and I will be doing all that I can to get a place in the starting XV.

"The reason I am going to Australia is to play Test rugby, but everyone getting on the plane will have the same motivation as me.

"To become a Lion is awesome - it's the highlight of any rugby player's career - and it will be something special for all of us in Australia this summer."

Quinnell proved Wales' most consistent performer during the recent Six Nations Championship, offering momentum and defence-breaking opportunities through his powerful driving play.

But he has been around long enough not to take anything for granted - even though Lions and Wales supremo Henry will know more about him than the likes of English trio Dallaglio, Richard Hill and Neil Back.

"The back-row is hugely competitive," admitted Quinnell. "There is quality running through the whole squad, but my department is one of the strongest.

"England have a top-class back-row - they proved it during the autumn internationals and Six Nations Championship - and it will be a challenge to try and get in among them. "I am not going to have an advantage because I have played under Graham for Wales. "Graham adapts his style according to the team he has and the side we are playing and I am sure that his tactical knowledge will make for a winning formula."

If the Lions are to be successful Down Under, then they will need Quinnell firing on all cylinders.

In his way, he is just as vital a cog in Henry's machine as the likes of Johnson, Keith Wood or Jonny Wilkinson.

And having enjoyed a reasonable end-of-season break, Quinnell is fit, refreshed and relishing the challenge that lies ahead.

"To people who think that the Lions Test team might already be picked, I would say think again. Everyone in the 37 has a chance of playing against Australia."