NEWPORT Gwent Dragons star Hallam Amos says being picked for Wales’ autumn internationals squad is a big confidence booster, even more so considering the players who didn’t make the cut.

Amos, 22, is looking to add to his 10 international caps when Australia, Argentina, Japan and South Africa come to Cardiff’s Principality Stadium next month.

The Monmouth School product faces stiff competition for a place in the starting XV for the Wallabies clash from the likes of Liam Williams, Leigh Halfpenny, Alex Cuthbert and George North.

But getting over the initial barrier of making the 36-man squad, especially given the number of form wingers, is something that gives Amos a huge lift.

“It is a big confidence boost because there are so many good players at the moment,” said Amos, picked ahead of other in-form speedsters including Cardiff Blues’ Tom James and Ospreys’ Eli Walker.

“Before the squad was announced I was looking at it thinking ‘how are they going to narrow this down’, but the thing with Wales is that’s always the case to a certain extent.

“Everyone at the regions is given a shot and so there are always players in form, you’ve just got to concentrate on your own game really and take what’s in front of you.

“It’s a big boost to your confidence when you are named in the squad, but I want to play and that’s the main thing – getting picked for the squad is only step one on the path.”

The second step will be doing enough in training to get the nod for the clash with the Aussies on November 5.

But with so much competition among for the back three berths, Amos knows it is going to be tough to grab one of the jerseys on offer.

“I have been pleased with my form overall this season and hopefully I can get on the pitch,” he added. “But you just have to look at the class of the players Wales have at their disposal.

“With Leigh coming back, he almost guarantees a starting spot, the class he has.

“Leigh, George, Liam are obviously favourites for the shirts in the back three. I will just go into the squad with an open mind and treat training as a trial really.

“I think at the moment I am in as a winger. Liam and Leigh are in there as 15s and they are obviously class acts.

“Longer term, I probably will shift to full-back. That’s where I see myself and where the Wales management see me as well long term.

“I am still young, I have got time on my side. I am more than happy to play on the wing at the moment.”

Hallam Amos was speaking at the launch of Tackle, a new community rugby and educational programme operated by Pro Rugby Wales with backing from BT’s Supporters Club and Comic Relief.