ALED Brew is up for the fight of getting his Newport Gwent Dragons starting spot back after a season of frustration on the sidelines.

The former Wales wing used to be one of the first names on the teamsheet but his return to Rodney Parade after two seasons with Biarritz proved to be a nightmare.

The 29-year-old made just 10 appearances after being hindered by groin and back injuries, watching on from the sidelines from November onwards while Hallam Amos made the number 11 jersey his own.

Brew knows that he has a fight on his hands to get back in the XV, even while 20-year-old Amos is away with the Wales World Cup squad.

The Dragons have signed Nick Scott to add to Tyler Morgan, Tom Prydie, Matthew Pewtner, Ashton Hewitt as options out wide.

"There is some good competition and that's great for the team. Everyone is vying for a spot and we all have to play well week in, week out to get the 11 or 14 jersey," said Brew.

"I used to be number one starter and now I've got to try and make my way back up there. I am definitely up for that challenge – I feel fresh physically and mentally so I am ready to go."

It was an exasperating nine months out for Brew with the nature of his injuries meaning a potential return was always seemingly within reach only for a series of setbacks.

"It was really tricky and took a long time," he said. "I was meant to be back in January but trained once and everything blew up worse than before.

"It was a tough season with an injury that didn't require and operation, it was just rest and rehab. It was difficult and frustrating but we got there in the end and I feel better than ever."

Brew made his return in the 48-12 pre-season win against Nottingham last weekend and is hopeful of another run out when the Dragons host the Scarlets at Rodney Parade on Friday (kick-off 7pm).

"It's been a difficult eight months but the Dragons have stuck by me and helped get me through it. I feel good out there," he said.

"It was a massive relief to get the ball back in my hands and have a couple of runs. I just want to play as much rugby as I can and nail down a starting spot.

"I am slowly getting more and more fitness back and a bit more game time should help get me back to where I was a few years ago."