TYLER Morgan’s response to being diagnosed with diabetes earlier this year has impressed Dragons chief Bernard Jackman, who is looking forward to seeing his centre return to action.

Wales ace Morgan, on the bench for Friday's Rodney Parade friendly against Northampton (kick-off 7.30pm), managed only nine appearances for the Men of Gwent last season due to injury, while in May the 22-year-old found out he had Type 1 diabetes.

Morgan, who lost his National Dual Contract the previous month, has been getting used to life with the condition since then, and Jackman has been delighted by his reaction to the health setback.

“I have been incredibly impressed by Tyler’s maturity and his response to it,” said Jackman.

“He was frustrated as to not knowing why his body was giving up on him and it’s a big setback to find out you have diabetes, but it is manageable with medical care and being diligent.

“He’s actually put on muscle and is looking really sharp.

“He’ll play off the bench on Friday night and he’s so talented and so young he could be a key player for us.

“He’s pushing players to be better and driving standards and he was in great form early last season getting picked for Wales before injury so we’re looking forward to him coming back."

Morgan last played for the Dragons in a 15-15 draw against Glasgow Warriors at Rodney Parade on February 9.

Jackman makes six changes to the XV that started last Saturday’s opening pre-season friendly win against Ealing Trailfinders.

There’s only one change in the backs where George Gasson takes Jared Rosser’s place on the wing, meaning both the centre and half-back pairings remain the same.

Up front, hooker Richard Hibbard gets a first start as he replaces Rhys Lawrence, while Brok Harris gets the nod at tighthead with Lloyd Fairbrother dropping out.

Jackman swaps Joe Davies for Rynard Landman in the second row and Aaron Wainwright and Lewis Evans feature at blindside and number eight respectively.

Nic Cudd made his comeback last weekend following a year on the sidelines with a knee injury and he retains his position at openside.

Huw Taylor and James Benjamin move to the bench, which also features new signing Dafydd Howells and Will Talbot-Davies – both weren’t involved in Ealing.

Gavin Henson (knee) is rested and Jack Dixon captains the team for a second successive game from inside centre.

Dragons: J Williams; J Goodchild, A Warren, J Dixon (capt), G Gasson; J Lewis, R Williams; R Bevington, R Hibbard, B Harris, M Screech, R Landman, A Wainwright, N Cudd, L Evans.

Reps: G Ellis, R Lawrence, L Fairbrother, B Nansen, H Taylor, J Benjamin, R Davies, J Botica, T Loots, T Morgan, D Howells, W Talbot-Davies.