GWENT welterweight Bradley Pryce is back in line for a shot at the British title after months of frustration.

The 24-year-old from Newbridge has been matched against unbeaten Scottish prospect Kevin Anderson in a title eliminator.

The contest will be determined by purse bids, to be opened at the end of the month, and could take place in Wales, Scotland, or England.

But Pryce, who was due to meet now dethroned British champion David Barnes earlier this year before the latter withdrew, is confident he can beat Anderson and go on to lift the title.

It is currently vacant after Barnes was stripped of it and will be decided at the Reebok Centre, Bolton, on July 16 when Preston's unbeaten 27-year-old Michael Jennings faces Barnet veteran Jimmy Vincent.

"Sports Network, my promoters, and Anderson's manager and promoter Tommy Gilmour are likely to be the main rivals for the purse bid," said Pryce.

"If Gilmour wins it, the fight will probably top the bill in Scotland, if Sports Network win it will probably go on an undercard in Wales or England, probably in September.

"Either way it's great news for me," said Pryce, "because I have not fought since December (when stopping strong Russian Sergey Styopkin in London) and I expected to be looking for a job this week."

The winner of 20 of his 25 fights, 13 by stoppages, added: "Anderson has won all his 14 fights and is the Celtic champion. He looked good when he defeated a tough Russian on points in his first ten-rounder last time out, but he has not fought anybody in the British top ten and I'm confident I will beat him.

"I think Jennings (winner of all 26 fights) will beat Vincent (who has won 21 and lost 18 of his 41 contests), but he's not a power puncher and I'm confident I can beat him too.

"It's frustrating I'm not already champion because I think Barnes' last two fights (a tame draw against a week opponent and defeat in a Commonwealth title bid) proves he was there for the taking.

"It means I am now having to do it the hard way, but I believe I will be champion by the end of the year.

"There will be no excuses because I have plenty of time to prepare."

Pryce, however, is taking a week's break from training as he is moving to a new house in Abercarn before the birth of his and his partner's second child.