KEVIN Morgan, pictured, has been out of action for nine of the past 18 months with two major injuries, but he is back tonight with the double aim of resurrecting his career and lifting his new team Newport Gwent Dragons.

The Wales full back was out for six months with a serious knee injury, but returned for last year's World Cup only to suffer a damaged foot which kept him out for a further three months.

Not only did it curtail his club and regional career, it could well have cost Morgan another dozen or so caps so that's he remains on 26.

He resumes against a Welsh Premier Division XV at Pandy Park tonight for his Dragons debut.

"It'll be nice to get back on the rugby field again instead of being injured," admitted Morgan.

"But what's done is done and it's nice to get in sight of some games, I'm looking forward to it."

He warns Dragons fans not to expect too much too soon after his lengthy spells of inactivity, but just wants to get a run of games and work up to form and full fitness again.

"I don't presume that I'll set the world alight because I haven't played that much," he said.

"It would be ideal to get a run of 10 games or so though I need to get picked first of course.

"I'd like to get as many games as I possibly can and bring back my form. You can train as much as you like, but it's not the same as playing."

Morgan has settled down well with his new teammates and new coach Chris Anderson.

"I knew a lot of the team anyway and some of the boys from the l continued from back Warriors last season will be with me. We've all got on well in training, though.

"It's been difficult and Chris has had some new ideas with his rugby league background, but hopefully we'll put his ideas into practice.

"It'll be nice to get a good run-out. More important than the result will be getting together and playing as a team.

"The Dragons did extremely well last season and surprised everyone.

"It's up to the new boys like myself who are coming in to maybe push them forward and raise the bar again."

Dragons lock Ian Gough, who leads the side tonight, is expecting a tough game tonight.

"They'll be up for it, it's their chance to shine and have a crack at the full-timers," he said.

"They've got everything to gain and nothing to lose and it shows them that there is progression and a stepping stone.

"For us it's a chance to see whether what we've been doing works. After tonight and Northampton next Saturday we'll know where we are.

"It's been well documented how tough our training is. There's steel in the side, we've had an extra session put in every day and there has been great emphasis on reacting under extreme pressure during a game."