Ian Gough says the hard work has only just begun after winning a recall to Wales' Six Nations squad. The 28-year-old lock spent two years in the international wilderness after falling out with ex-coach Steve Hansen.
"I saw (fellow Dragons locks) Peter Sidoli and Luke Charteris elevated above me and felt I'd always be the bridesmaid," said the 21-cap man.
"There are some quality second rows in Wales and it's an honour to be in the squad, but the job's only 10% done."
Wales coach Mike Ruddock says that Gough's recall has been solely down to his impressive form for his region.
 |  There were low points when I didn't think I'd be here again |
"John [Yapp] and Ian have been rewarded for impressing during the Heineken Cup competition," said Ruddock. "Both of them have played well, and we want to send a message out that consistently playing well gets you in the squad."
Gough feels that the regional experiment in Wales is paying dividends, despite the fact that no Welsh side has managed to reach the knockout stages of the Heineken Cup.
"There have been so many challenges at the Dragons and I've done a lot of learning this year," said the lock.
"We've met some of the challenges really well but have fallen at other hurdles.
"Despite the disappointment this year, I'm sure that Wales will have one, if not two, quarter-finalists next year."
Gough, widely recognised as one of the fittest and hardest working locks in Wales, has not played for his country since turning out against Romania two years ago.
 Gough's regional form won him his Wales recall |
Having been left out of the 2003 World Cup squad he publicly slammed Hansen's selection policy - and was never forgiven by the Kiwi. He may have felt his prospects would improve when his former Dragons coach Ruddock succeeded Hansen last spring.
But Ruddock picked Peter Sidoli ahead of Gough for the summer tour of Argentina and South Africa.
Come the autumn internationals Sidoli was out of favour, but youngster Charteris - who could not win a place in the Dragons side ahead of Sidoli or Gough - found himself in the national squad.
That move prompted a public war of words between Ruddock and Dragons coach Chris Anderson, but Gough has been diplomatic. "It's been good to play alongside and against the other locks in regional rugby who you know have been selected above you," Gough told BBC Sport Wales.
He may still have to wait for a Wales place, with Brent Cockbain and Robert Sidoli favourites to start in the boiler room against England on 5 November, but he is relishing being back at the heart of things.
"I'd forgotten my way round the national squad and there were low points when I didn't think I'd be here again," he said.
"I just kept the faith, worked hard and put my goals in place.
"To put the red jersey on and play in front of the screaming fans is just the best feeling and I haven't tasted it for so long."
MMIX
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