KINGSLEY Jones believes it's not a case of if but when Newport Gwent Dragons hooker Elliot Dee pulls on the red jersey for Wales as the prospect prepares to press his international claims in a derby battle, writes Chris Kirwan.

The 22-year-old from Newbridge, a member of the Wales Under-20s side that made the Junior World Championship final in 2013, has long been on the radar of Warren Gatland and his management team.

Scott Baldwin and Ken Owens are sure to tour New Zealand this summer, injury permitting, but another spot will be up for grabs in the Wales squad that will take on England and the Chiefs in addition to three Tests against the All Blacks.

Dee did his claim to be in the party the power of good when he outplayed Lions hooker Richard Hibbard in last weekend's stunning European Challenge Cup quarter-final win against Gloucester and he will look to make another statement in the capital on Sunday.

He will be at the heart of the front row in the Guinness Pro12 encounter with Cardiff Blues, slugging it out with either Six Nations squad member Kristian Dacey or former Wales captain Matthew Rees.

Dee could also get a chance to lock horns with Springboks powerhouse Bismarck du Plessis in next weekend's European semi-final at Montpellier and head coach Jones is backing his man to make Gatland sit up and take notice.

"If I had to hang my hat on somebody playing for Wales then it would be Elliot Dee," said head coach Jones.

"His scrum is improving all the time as he gets stronger and heavier, he's got a great frame, in terms of his energy and work rate his GPS (tracking stats) are often as high as anybody on the field, his lineout is as good as anyone's.

"He is going to be a really, really good player and has a huge future. he is also a character and a winner.

"I am sure Elliot couldn't wait to play against Richard Hibbard and was quietly thinking 'I can be better than you' and let's hope he does that this weekend and then the week after against du Plessis, that's what you dream about as a kid."

The Dragons name their team at midday and Dee will be backed up by Rhys Buckley with other hookers Rhys Thomas (knee) and Hugh Gustafson (Achilles) sidelined.

Meanwhile, former Monmouth School pupil Wayne Barnes has been announced as the referee for the Dragons' European semi-final at Montpellier.