WING Ashton Hewitt is poised to start for the Dragons against the Scarlets on tomorrow after 16 months of injury torment.

The 24-year-old from Newport has been pencilled in for double-header against the west Walians when Dean Ryan's seniors kick off at 4pm after the Celtic Cup derby at 1pm.

Hewitt has endured injury frustration since dislocating his right shoulder in a training collision with Dragons teammate Elliot Dee ahead of Wales' summer tour last year.

The speedster, who would have won his first cap, had an operation and then had to go back under the knife when it failed.

Hewitt spent all of 2018/19 on the sidelines but had extra rehabilitation sessions over the summer so that he could play a full part in pre-season training.

He is now ready to enjoy his first competitive action since taking on the Scarlets at Judgement Day in April, 2018.

South Wales Argus: 23.10.15 - Newport Gwent Dragons v Benetton Treviso, Guinness PRO12 - Ashton Hewitt of Newport Gwent Dragons takes on Luke McLean of Benetton Treviso (43518446)

"I am keen to get games under my belt and get back out on the pitch as soon as possible," said Hewitt.

"We are managed really well in the week but have to get that physical element in and everyone has had their fair share of contact in training, me included.

"The op was so long ago and I have been looked after so well that I wasn't really that nervous before I went back into contact, it's not the first time that I have been through something like this. I was really confident thanks to the support of the physios and the coaches.

"I haven't played for 16 months, it's a long time but I am not one to dwell on the past. I am looking forward to what me and the team can achieve."

Hewitt has twice been called up by Wales only to suffer injury with his shoulder blow preceded by a concussion in the 2017 Six Nations.

The winger is confident that he can get back to his best for the Dragons to catch the eye of incoming national boss Wayne Pivac.

South Wales Argus:

"My best years are ahead of me, 100 per cent. I had a positive couple of seasons but have had a bit of bad luck," he said.

"I haven't achieved all that I have wanted to achieve but I am hoping for better luck and I am looking forward.

"I feel in a really good place – my shoulder is probably stronger than its ever been, training is going really well and I feel as sharp as ever.

"I've actually been told that some days I am going too fast and need to chill out! I am chomping at the bit."

Hewitt captained the Dragons for the first time at Northampton two years ago and will be a leader in the back three, helping the likes of Jared Rosser, Rio Dyer, James McCarthy and Carwyn Penny.

"Leadership is something that I feel I have developed over a few years. I remember looking up to Aled Brew and I feel that now I can pass on things that I have learned to the younger boys coming through," he said.

"It's a position where we have got some really bright talent and that is exciting to be a part of.

"Rio is keeping me on my toes and it's not going to be easy for me but that is when clubs thrive, when there is competition and players pushing you. Nobody can get complacent then."

The Dragons name their team this afternoon.