Gareth Delve is hoping fulfil his Wales ambitions with Gloucester

A rejuvenated Gareth Delve is hoping that European success with Gloucester will lead to a Wales recall.

The English side start their Heineken Cup campaign at home to the Dragons on Friday night, with Delve as captain.

The number eight turned down the chance to tour with Wales this summer to concentrate on regaining his fitness.

"The whole point going through rehab is to make sure I'm a better player than I was before the injury, now I've got to prove that," Delve said.

Wales coach Warren Gatland has previously stated that Welsh-based players will take precedence for selection over those playing outside the country.

But Delve still harbours ambitions to play for his homeland, despite his last Test coming in June 2008 in the tour to South Africa.

"I've definitely still got that desire. My last involvement with Wales was against the world champions [South Africa]," added the 27-year-old Delve, whose career has been plagued by injuries.

"That's the level I was at before and I've worked really hard at my rehab to make sure that I reach that level again and top it.

I'm looking to inspire with my performances Gloucester captain Gareth Delve

"I'm really looking forward to doing that with a fantastic Gloucester squad and I believe that will give me a platform for my own ambitions.

"First and foremost though, I want to make sure that the team reaches ahead."

There is a strong Welsh influence at Gloucester, with Nicky Robinson slotting in at outside-half following his move from Cardiff Blues and lock Will James also at Kingsholm.

"He's settled in great and if we as a forward pack can give him a decent platform, he'll be fantastic for us," said Delve.

Gloucester have been drawn in Pool 2 with Glasgow, Biarritz Olympique and Welsh side the Dragons, with the Cherry and Whites beginning at home to Delve's countrymen on Friday night.

"It's an extremely competitive group, Biarritz can play teams off the pitch and Glasgow and Dragons have had a real upturn in fortunes," Delve said.

"When the groups were announced, it seemed to be a better draw than it actually is now. It's going to be really cut and thrust."

Gloucester head coach Bryan Redpath, the former Scotland scrum-half, is wary of the threat the Dragons will pose on Friday and is all to aware of the added spice an Anglo-Welsh encounter provides.

"They played well against us in the EDF Cup here last season, there will be a great atmosphere and they'll be coming up here to have a go. It will be tough, no doubt about it," Redpath said.

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"English players need to understand that one of the main drivers for Welsh and Scottish sides is 'lets get stuck into these English boys'. I'll make sure I let the boys know that."

Cardiff-born Delve will certainly need no reminding, as free from injury and in good form he is enjoying his role as captain.

"It's a massive honour. I'm really grateful that Bryan has placed that faith in me. Hopefully it's taken my game onto another level, I'm looking to inspire with my performances," Delve said.

Redpath is delighted with Delve's impact as skipper, a role he shares with the currently injured Mike Tindall: "I've got massive faith in him [Delve].

"He's got some great core values that I respect hugely, he's come through some tough times with injury and he's also a very talented rugby player too."

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