HARRISON Keddie was being talked about as a Wales contender at the start of the season but at the moment the strong-running forward is just focused on winning back a spot in the Dragons back row.

The 21-year-old from Llanvaches will make his return from four months on the sidelines in Saturday’s Anglo-Welsh Cup fixture against Saracens at Allianz Park (kick-off 3pm).

Keddie underwent shoulder surgery after what initially seemed like an innocuous blow in the September success against Connacht in Newport.

That denied him the chance to press for a place in Wales’ squad for the autumn internationals – his peer Leon Brown won three caps just a year after joining Keddie in training with Warren Gatland’s seniors – while it also left the Dragons down to the bare bones.

While the number eight/blindside has been out of action a new bright prospect has emerged in 20-year-old Aaron Wainwright and James Benjamin has been a key figure after spending last season out in the cold.

With Ollie Griffiths (ankle) and Lewis Evans (pectoral muscle) nearing returns and James Sheekey and Robson Blake on the back of strong displays against Bordeaux-Begles, Keddie knows he needs to impress in London.

“It’s a massive relief and I am really pleased to see the back of the injury,” said the former Wales Under-20s international.

“I just wanted to get a hold on the starting jersey at the Dragons and make a claim for that. I managed to get a few starts and then couldn’t play for four months.

“I’ve had to take two or three steps back and then start again but we’ve got 10 games left now so it’s the run-in and I want to get as many starts as I can.

“The Anglo-Welsh Cup games mean that some of the boys who have had lots of game time will be rested and it’s a chance to get match fitness straight away with two tough fixtures [against Saracens and Worcester].

“The back row, whichever one they have picked over the last four months because of injuries, has always given a good account of themselves.

“As a unit we have spoken about that and making sure that we are working hard. It’s up to whoever is picked this weekend to keep that going.”

The competition will get even stronger next season when Keddie is tussling Wales international and Lions tourist Ross Moriarty for the starts at 6 and 8, a prospect his is relishing.

“It’s good. You want to be picked in a really competitive environment and be the best of what the coaches have got available,” said Keddie, who recently signed a three-year contract extension.

“You want to pitch yourself against the best and make sure that you are deserving of that starting jersey in an environment where everyone is pushing all the way.

“With the signings in the back row and with what we have got already, that will be the case. It can be an area of real strength and whoever is on top of their game will play, which can only be good for the club.”

And earning a place in a highly-competitive Dragons back row would do Keddie’s Test ambitions the power of good.

“There’s a pathway, the boys who play well for their regions get picked internationally,” he said.

“It’s simply laid out so it’s just up to you to do what your club needs and if you do then hopefully you will get a chance internationally.”