NEWPORT Gwent Dragons giant Luke Charteris is aiming to add to his seven caps now that he has been restored to the Wales squad.

The lock has been rewarded for a string of impressive performances by being included in the squad alongside Ospreys trio Ian Gough, Ian Evans and Alun Wyn Jones, ahead of Cardiff Blues youngster Bradley Davies.

Though he travelled out to South Africa in early summer it was as a standby and this is his first significant appearance in the squad for a year, and he intends making the most of it.

“Getting back in has always been my goal, though I didn’t really expect it and I had a shock when the boys told me,” he said. “I’m happy to be back involved, now I want to get into the training and get a start again.

“I had hoped to have more caps by now, but I always seemed to be injured around selection time or was just not picked. But I feel I’ve been going really well this season though I’ve been lucky to be part of a pack that’s been playing well,” he added.

“I’ve had a good run of games and all this has made me raise my game.

“I started well and have managed to carry it on, so now I’m hoping to be involved in the Welsh team again.”

Wales coach Warren Gatland admitted he has been impressed with the 6ft 9ins lock this season.

“He’s been winning a lot of line-out ball and his play around the field has been very good. His coaches also speak very hihgly of him as an athlete, and this is very much a form selection,” he said.

Charteris’ Dragons front five teammate Rhys Thomas is also in the squad, retaining his place after winning his fifth cap in the second Test against South Africa in June.

If he makes the starting line-up on November 8 it will be his third appearance against his home country having also played against the Springboks a year ago.