Hook impressed with the Lions at the end of a troubled 2008/9 season

Dan Biggar says he is ready to claim the Ospreys fly-half jersey, with James Hook desperate to secure the berth.

"I'm looking to establish myself as the first-choice 10 this season," said Biggar, 19, who has three Wales caps.

Hook, 24, who impressed with the Lions after his late tour call-up, fell back as fly-half with Wales and Ospreys last year and was moved around the backs.

"I think everyone knows that I want to play outside-half [this season]," 33-cap Hook told BBC Sport Wales.

"But it's up to me to put in the performances as well to warrant being picked at outside-half.

"There are young players coming up behind me and Stephen Jones in front of me."

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Hook, a hugely talented playmaker, battled with Jones for the Wales fly-half position in the 2008 Grand Slam campaign, coach Warren Gatland operating a rotation policy in his first season in charge of the national side.

But last season Jones emerged as the clear first choice, while Hook's apparent lack of game control in certain big matches allowed the promising Biggar to challenge for his Ospreys spot.

Hook was played at full-back and centre, with Wales planning to use him in the latter position on their two-Test summer tour to North America.

Caretaker Wales coach Robin McBryde said that he did not know Neath-product Hook's best position.

The fly-half received a late call-up to the Lions squad, though, impressing on the hard grounds of South Africa.

An injury hampered his Test chances, with Jones and Ronan O'Gara selected ahead of him, but he was an unused substitute for the third and final Test.

I have nothing but respect for James, we get on very well on and off the field Dan Biggar

"I'm feeling good after about four-and-a-half weeks off since South Africa, it was a nice break doing nothing," said Hook.

"The four weeks just flew. I went away to Greece and Marbella, it was nice to relax and not think about rugby.

"It's been tough getting back training at Merthyr Mawr, but we expected pre-season to be hard.

"We've had a great squad at the Ospreys for the last two or three years, and now we've got new additions like Jerry Collins.

"Hopefully we can deliver this year and get something for ourselves and the fans.

"We need to play to our potential as a team - we know we've got the individuals here.

"I want to play regularly and well and I want to play outside-half - the coaches know that."

Hook knows he will have to see off the challenge of Biggar, though, the young pretender featuring in both of Wales' summer Tests.

"I was fortunate to start a few games [at 10] last year but I have to kick on from that and continue to develop," said Biggar, entering his second year with the senior squad.

Wales stars Ryan Jones and James Hook model the new Ospreys kit

"That's my aim, and I know how difficult it will be with James Hook here as well, he's a brilliant player and it will be a real battle to get in there ahead of him.

"We've got an excellent relationship and I have nothing but respect for James, we get on very well on and off the field and I think that this helps with the competition for a starting place.

"We've got a very healthy rivalry, we both want to be starting regularly for the Ospreys and we understand that this is what professional sport is all about.

"Neither of us can take anything for granted, we can't afford to slip up, and this competition can only help to drive us both on to be better players which will benefit the region and Wales in the long run."

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