HALLAM Amos intends to lay down a marker in his bid for a starting spot against the world champions by starring on the wing in Wales’ Six Nations finale against Italy.

After a frustrating tournament, the 21-year-old Newport Gwent Dragons ace will be rewarded for his patience when he wears the 11 jersey against the Azzurri in Cardiff.

Amos forced his way into Warren Gatland’s XV at the World Cup last year only to suffer a shoulder injury in the stunning win against England at Twickenham.

He made a rapid recovery to earn a spot in the Six Nations squad but was an onlooker as Tom James started against Ireland and Scotland before Alex Cuthbert was recalled for the games with the French and English.

But Amos is now back in the starting line-up for the final weekend clash with the Italians and the speedster from Monmouthshire wants to impress ahead of the three-Test tour to New Zealand this summer.

“When you are in that Welsh shirt you never want to let it go and on the back of the Uruguay and England games (at the World Cup) I thought I was in a good place,” said Amos, who has kept ticking over by playing three regional games during the tournament.

“Unfortunately with my injury and ‘TJ’ and ‘Cuthy’ playing well for Cardiff Blues I wasn’t straight back in.

“Hopefully now I can put a marker down and keep my jersey leading into the summer tour when a certain Leigh Halfpenny will be back as well!”

On Tuesday Gatland reiterated that he doesn’t feel Amos is “an out-and-out international-quick wing” and that he sees the youngster’s long-term future at full-back.

The Dragons man disputes the former – “I feel that I’m quick enough for this level!” – but agrees that 15 may be his natural position.

“I think I will move to full-back in a couple of years but at the moment I am happy on the wing and have played the majority of my senior rugby there. Four of my five caps have been on the wing and I feel comfortable there,” said Amos.

Whatever number he has on his back, the Dragons man intends to go hunting for work against an Italy side who have leaked 20 tries this tournament.

“As a back three we’ve been given licence to get around, work as much as we can and the opportunities will open up hopefully and the spaces will appear,” said Amos, who wants to add to his sole Test try scored against Uruguay.

“The boys will be looking to put in a performance after the first half (at Twickenham), it’s been well documented that we weren’t at the races. I am sure there will be a reaction and hopefully we can cut loose a little bit.”