Kevin Morgan is desperate for a change of luck after injury put his international ambitions on hold, starting with a good performance for Wales in Saturday's RBS 6 Nations clash against England.

The 26-year-old Swansea full-back has spent most of the current season on the treatment table at St Helens after badly damaging a knee.

He is now back in the international frame, with Llanelli wing Mark Jones missing out because of a neck injury and Cardiff's Rhys Williams set to move across from full back into Jones' wing berth.

"It has been a terribly frustrating season for me," said Morgan, who won the first of his 22 caps against the United States back in 1997.

In between there have been numerous setbacks, a succession of injuries and until last season, never one year in which the outstanding product of Pontypridd's rugby academy has been able to gather a real head of steam.

"I admit I have been a bit unlucky, but hopefully that's all over with now," Morgan added.

"I just want to get my place back and concentrate on staying fit for the rest of the year.

"Nobody likes to get injured, but when it stops you from playing for your country too, it hurts even more.

"What's more, this is a massive year for everyone - a championship, a tour and then at the end of the year the World Cup. I missed the last one because of injury, I don't want to miss this one."

Morgan spent last Saturday in Rome as a spectator watching Wales crumble at the hands of Italy. It heightened his frustration and made him even more determined to take his opportunity should it come.

His chance has arrived, and on the evidence of last season, he will take it with both hands. He's that type of opportunist.

"I would like to think that if I got a chance, I would grab it," said Morgan.

"I understand the enormity of the task and that we are under a great deal of pressure after last weekend, but I don't think about things like that.

"I just try to concentrate on playing well and shutting out all the hype and the other pressures that surround games like this."

The atmosphere will be typically electric and Morgan hopes that after the calamity of Rome, that passion will translate to the players who were "broken" by the result and their own shabby performance.

"Don't think it doesn't hurt. It has been a terrible few days in which we have come under the spotlight for all the wrong reasons," he said.

"Thankfully we have a great bunch here and we have been able to pull together and wipe out the bitter memory of last Saturday."