SCARLETS full-back Liam Williams will join Newport Gwent Dragons speedster Hallam Amos in a fitness race for Wales' Six Nations opener in Dublin.

The 24-year-old has been out of action since suffering a recurrence of a foot injury during the final World Cup group game against Australia in October.

It is hoped that Williams, whose fine form dislodged Alex Cuthbert from the Wales XV in last year's tournament, will return for his region in the Guinness Pro12 clash against Connacht in Galway on Saturday, January 30.

That would provide Warren Gatland with a welcome boost – but it will be asking a lot for the Scarlets man to slot in at the Aviva Stadium just eight days after a return at the Sportsground.

However, the 15 jersey is providing Wales with a selection headache ahead of the tournament given that Leigh Halfpenny will miss out with the knee injury that he suffered in the final World Cup warm-up at the Millennium Stadium.

Gareth Anscombe started at full-back in the World Cup quarter-final against South Africa but is yet to return for Cardiff Blues after injuring an ankle in the loss to the Springboks.

Amos is closing in on a return after undergoing shoulder surgery in the stunning World Cup victory against England at Twickenham and the Dragons hope that both he and fellow young gun Tyler Morgan will feature in one or both of their European Challenge Cup encounters with Castres and Sale.

Other options are Rhys Priestland, Rhys Patchell, James Hook and Matthew Morgan while Cardiff Blues winger Tom James is pushing hard for a spot on the wing.