Dragons ace Cory Hill is determined to repay the faith shown in him by Warren Gatland and make a big impression for Wales at the Rugby World Cup.
Hill has been named in Wales' 31-strong squad for thiw showpiece tournament in Japan - despite being currently sidelined with a small fracture in his left leg that will mean he will miss the opening match against Georgia on 23 September.
The second row admits he was relieved after getting the nod from Gatland this week – with the Wales boss stating Hill was "worth the risk” after giving him the green light.
"The coaches have obviously taken a little bit of a gamble knowing I am going to be out for the first game, and potentially won't train for the first couple of weeks there," said Hill.
“Now I have got to do everything I can to repay that, get back fit as soon as possible and do as much as I can off the field and try and still be involved.
"I like to think I am pretty positive but I am only human. A little part of you does think 'potentially, I am pushing my luck here'."
"At one stage, you think your hopes and dreams are gone. I am thankful to the management and staff for picking me in the squad."
Hill will spend part of this week in an oxygen chamber in Swansea in a bid to fast-track the healing process.
And the lock has faith that the medical team can ensure his World Cup dreams are fulfilled.
"We have got a remarkable medical staff here - they will be doing everything they can to push me and get it right," said Hill.
"They have been known to turn boys around in a short space of time, and that's the plan, to turn it around as quickly as we possibly can and we will go from there.
"It is an exciting time for me. I have got to get back fit as soon as possible, and hopefully I can add a little bit to the squad on the field then."
It is an exciting time for me. I have got to get back fit as soon as possible, and hopefully I can add a little bit to the squad on the field then...
