NATHAN Brew has set himself a dual target - to re-establish himself with Newport Gwent Dragons and to break into the Welsh team.

Brew is one of the most promising threequarters in Wales and he was capped against Romania in 2003 as a 21-year-old.

But since then his career has virtually been on hold because of a succession of injuries. Now he's in the clear at last and is stringing some games together again.

Three in a row is the most he has managed for 15 months, and already after appearances against three Irish provinces Leinster, Munster and Ulster - with a fourth to come against Connacht tomorrow - he is showing what a talented player he is.

He scored a super try against Munster last Friday and played a major part in another sizzler by Gareth Wyatt, showing he's gradually working up a full head of steam.

Now he's looking for a big finish, a proper pre-season and then launch himself into next season with that dual target in mind.

"It was very frustrating for over a year," Brew admitted.

"I came back too early with my ankle injury, but the most irritating thing was that the scan missed I'd broken my ankle last season, not done ligament damage.

"Then I suffered the same kind of groin injury in the summer as Ceri (Sweeney), Gavin (Henson) and Shane (Williams) and was out until Christmas.

"I played at Llanelli, but then against Cardiff Blues just after Christmas I broke my thumb." It was a catalogue of woe for Brew, but he's putting it all behind him at last.

"That's rugby for you," he said philosophically. "I'm down on my fitness because of it all and I can feel myself getting tired in games, but it's nice to get a good run now and I want to keep it going for the final six games of the season.

"It's important to finish the season on a high, then get in a good pre-season and start afresh next year.

"I'm only 23 and getting into the Welsh team is at the back of my mind. If I perform well from now on there's no reason why I can't put myself in contention for a place in the Wales squad."

Whether that's on the wing where he is currently playing or in the centre which he prefers remains to be seen, his career following a similar pattern to teammate Hal Luscombe, who is moving to Harlequins at the end of the season.

"With Hal going hopefully I can pinch that spot off him," said Brew. "I understand that I'll need to have discussions with the coaches to see where they think my best position is."

The immediate task, though, is Connacht in a crucial Celtic League game in Galway tomorrow.

"I've come back into a team which is playing well and the direction is spot on which makes it easier. We have shown how important the team ethic is," he said.

"Connacht is always a potential banana skin, they are a good side which they proved by beating Llanelli Scarlets, Leinster and Worcester at home.

"They've got a good bunch of talented players and they're similar to us with their great team spirit."

Coach Paul Turner has made just one enforced change from the side which gained their best win of the season against Munster, Jon Bryant replacing the injured Hal Luscombe. Ben Breeze and Gethin Robinson come in on the bench.

The Dragons have parted company for a second time with back row forward Shawn van Rensberg after just two appearances as a replacement. He is to play rugby league for new team Celtic Crusaders.

Dragons team: A Thomas, G Wyatt, J Bryant, C Sweeney, N Brew, C Warlow, G Baber, A Black, S Jones, R Thomas, I Gough, L Charteris, J Ringer, M Owen, J Forster (captain). Replacements: A Brown, D Maddocks, G Robinson, P Sidoli, R Oakley, J Ireland, B Breeze. Kick off 2.30pm.