WALES centre Tyler Morgan is confident of causing some damage with Newport Gwent Dragons' burgeoning back line when they lock horns with one of the best in Europe this weekend.

The men from Rodney Parade are hunting their first derby win for a year and a half when they make the trip to Llanelli to face the Scarlets in the Guinness Pro12 on Saturday (kick-off 7.35pm).

Morgan, 21, has been denied a duel with his international teammate Jonathan Davies because the Lions ace is being rested by the west Walians ahead of their European Champions Cup campaign.

However, the Scarlets still boast a formidable set of backs featuring Gareth Davies, Rhys Patchell, Scott Williams and Liam Williams, who all took on the All Blacks last summer, prolific Canadian wing DTH van der Merwe and New Zealander Hadleigh Parkes.

There are some mouth-watering match-ups in the offing with Morgan potentially joined by fellow Wales prospects Hallam Amos, Jack Dixon and Ashton Hewitt.

"They've got a hell of a back line and have bragged about being the best in Europe but ours isn't too shabby, we can do a lot of damage and defend as well so it's going to be a good battle," said Morgan.

"It'll be interesting because they've got a few years on our backline, so old legs against fresh legs, let's see how it goes!"

The three-times capped centre from Caerleon will be desperate to impress the watching Wales coaches to ensure that he is retained in the squad for the autumn internationals, which is named by coach Rob Howley on October 18.

"These games aren't to be taken lightly and they have a lot of influence on squad selection. They are big games and the Wales coaches will be there," said the centre, who played against the Chiefs on Wales' tour of New Zealand.

"It's a big opportunity for me and I've got to try and catch the eye. (Scott Williams and Davies) are the people to look up to in my position and you want to get to where they are at and exceed that."

The Dragons have had a frustrating season with a solitary win against Zebre to their name while a strong performance against Glasgow last Friday yielded no points.

Morgan says the squad are pulling no punches when reviewing their shortcomings, an approach he believes will help turn the corner.

"It's that winner's mentality that needs to be there more. You can see the boys are getting more frustrated with mistakes and I think last season that wasn't there," he said.

"We just kind of accepted it being mediocre and this year it's not, which is bringing an improvement to the team. It's coming and after Treviso we gave ourselves a really hard look in the mirror. The mentality is turning around."

He added: "A derby win would take us back above the Scarlets in the table and give us bragging rights. It would be massive for the region and bring a lot of confidence."

The Dragons and the Scarlets announce their teams at midday tomorrow (FRI).