NEWPORT Gwent Dragons have endured a frustrating start to the season and it's been even more infuriating for Ross Wardle.

But the fast healer intends to contribute to an upturn in fortunes for the Rodney Parade region after making a surprise return to the fray.

The centre had been expected to be out until the New Year after rupturing ligaments in his right knee against Treviso in April.

However, last Friday Wardle made a rapid return against Harlequins at the Twickenham Stoop, playing 55 minutes of the 31-21 LV= Cup defeat.

The Dragons have endured a tough start to the campaign with eight defeats from 10 and the 23-year-old has felt powerless.

"Being injured was a struggle," said Wardle. "You feel secluded and don't feel part of the team.

"Whether winning or losing the boys are doing it together and you feel away from everything.

"When there are team meetings you feel that you are being carried and aren't helping the boys. You feel like dead weight, so it's nice to contribute something.

"I have been at the training base in Ystrad Mynach but on my own with the physio, spending every day in the four walls of the gym. You don't want to be in there while the boys are out on the pitch improving; you feel you are getting left behind."

The game against the Quins came as a surprise to Wardle, who earned a pro deal a year and a half ago after impressing with Bedwas.

He will attempt to build on his performance against the Ospreys on Friday with the aim of making his return to Guinness Pro12 action against Munster at Rodney Parade the following weekend.

He said: "I thought it would be another four or five weeks but I came in last Tuesday and they told me I would be starting on the Friday!

"I had passed all the fitness tests but I think they kept it quiet from me so that I didn't get carried away. It was great to be ready ahead of schedule and try and help the team out.

"I'd only done one and a half team sessions since my injury so was a bit shady on the calls but getting through the game and getting through the game was a huge positive for me.

"Now I want to carry on and get some more minutes against the Ospreys to put myself in contention for the Munster game."

The sight of Wardle in midfield was a welcome boost for the Dragons, who have been operating with Ashley Smith as their only fit senior centre.

Wings Tom Prydie and Matthew Pewtner have filled in but soon they will be spoilt for choice with Pat Leach (knee), Jack Dixon (wrist) and Tyler Morgan (knee) all nearing a return.

"We're all coming back around the same time so competition will be fierce," said Wardle.