SOUTH Africa and Newport Gwent Dragons ace Percy Montgomery could be back at Rodney Parade sooner than expected after his exploits in the Tri Nations tournament Down Under.

And one of the first things Dragons coach Chris Anderson will discuss with him is where he will play in the new season - in his international and recognised position of full back or at outside centre where he excelled for the Dragons last season.

Montgomery has added seven caps to his tally of 50 since he was recalled to the international scene this summer after being discarded when he left his home country for Newport.

Monty played against Ireland, Wales and the Pacific Islands and twice each against New Zealand and Australia and is assured of a huge welcome on his return to Rodney Parade, especially as he has extended his contract to 2007, virtually finishing his career here.

He played in the Tri Nations clincher against Australia a week last Saturday which put the Springboks at the top of the rugby tree Down Under again, and he faces a daunting season, resuming for the Dragons, more caps with South Africa in the November internationals (including Wales at the Millennium Stadium) and then the Dragons again.

But according to Anderson he is eager for a return to the fray, despite his heavy recent workload.

"He's taken a week off and gone to the Maldives for a break," said Anderson who is in touch with Monty.

"But then he'll be back, take a week to train but then he is keen to play, he's on a high at the moment."

On the thorny subject of where he will play, Anderson says, "He'll play wherever suits the team best. Whether that will be full back or centre I'm not sure, we'll have a talk about it when he gets here."

Anderson also expects Wales scrum half Gareth Cooper to be fit for the opening league game against Cardiff Blues on September 11, though he rates Gareth Baber, too. "I like him, he organises us really well," he said.

Having seen two of England's top teams in the past week, Anderson comes down heavily in favour of the Wasps over Northampton.

He watched the Llanelli Scarlets-Wasps game and was mighty impressed with the visitors who he believes can show the Dragons the way.

"They gave me some great ideas, they are simplistic and they do a lot of what I did in rugby league," he said. "They are well drilled and athletic, completely opposite to Northampton who were big and bulky. They looked more like rugby league, light on their feet, mobile and they play up tempo.

"The other mob couldn't keep pace with them," he added referring to the Scarlets as 'the other mob!'