DRAGONS speedster Hallam Amos hopes that adding another string to his bow by playing in midfield can give him an edge in World Cup year.

The 18-times capped international is not in Wales' autumn squad after suffering a dislocated elbow in the Rodney Parade region's loss at Leinster in September, although he has been helping with the preparations for Saturday's Test with Australia.

The 24-year-old from Monmouthshire made his return in the Dragons' defeat at Connacht last weekend – but not in the back three.

Amos slotted in at outside centre, a position that he had not played since age-grade rugby.

The Wales international has the power, speed and footwork to thrive with ball in hand, and showed that with a well-taken try, and hopes to pick up the defensive intricacies in a notoriously challenging position.

"I quite enjoyed it to be fair. In attack it suits my game on the outside break and getting onto my left peg," said Amos.

"In defence it's a tough position but the way the national team defends is a help; wingers defend like traditional 13s in that they are up high and making reads, so that was similar.

"I still prefer the back three but if I am called upon I can hopefully do a job there and with a bit more experience those defensive reads will get easier as well."

Amos missed out on autumn selection with Warren Gatland plumping for the Lions trio of Leigh Halfpenny, Liam Williams and George North plus Josh Adams, Steff Evans, Luke Morgan and Jonah Holmes as back three options.

The Dragon started all three summer Tests at full-back and has won the majority of his caps on the flank.

With Gatland facing some tight calls for his 31-man squad at Japan 2019, Amos hopes the ability to play 13 can help his prospects of earning the call.

"With what is going on this time next year, the more positions we can cover the better," said Amos, who scored against Uruguay in the last World Cup but suffered a tournament-ending shoulder injury in the famous win against England.

"It's a limited squad and if you can cover both wings, full-back and centre the it won't harm your chances. Hopefully I have shown that if they put me there I won't be a liability."

With the Dragons having a week off from PRO14 action, medical student Amos has the chance to catch up with some university work.

The region are next in action against Russia in a friendly at Bedwas a week on Friday and then entertain Edinburgh on Sunday, November 24 with Amos hoping to enjoy a run of games after making his comeback.

"The elbow was good," he said. "With these injuries you are always slightly conscious coming back but as soon as the game starts the adrenalin knocks off any worries. In the thick of it you don't notice things."