Chris Czekaj is hoping to put pressure on Wales full-back Lee Byrne after overcoming a career-threatening injury and impressing in his new position.

The 24-year-old missed 14 months after shattering his right femur in five places during Wales' second Test defeat by Australia in Brisbane in June 2007.

Czekaj won seven caps as a wing but has played at 15 for the Blues this season.

"I need to play well for the Blues then, hopefully, I'll get picked in the autumn," Czekaj told BBC Sport Wales.

"I put my name forward as a full-back and I'm really enjoying it, hopefully it's my number-one position from now on," said the 6ft 3ins back.

Czekaj will have to compete with former New Zealand international Ben Blair for the number 15 jersey at the Cardiff City Stadium.

"I had a chat with Dai Young and we both agreed it's a big option for me, especially when I think about my international hopes.

I had a chat with Dai Young and we both agreed it's a big option for me, especially when I think about my international hopes Cardiff Blues back Chris Czekaj

"There's not a huge difference from wing to full-back, they're pretty similar jobs."

Wales have a plethora of options on the wing, including Shane Williams, Leigh Halfpenny, Tom Prydie, Will Harries, Aled Brew, Kristian Phillips, Tom James and Richard Fussell.

But full-back options for national coach Warren Gatland are more limited, with British and Irish Lions first-choice Byrne increasingly afflicted with injury.

Potential back-ups like Barry Davies, Morgan Stoddart and Gavin Henson have also had major injury problems, while James Hook - who has also played in the role - starred at centre last season and still wants to be seen as a fly-half.

"I'm fully fit and hope to carry on like that, I'm feeling good," said Czekaj.

"I'm looking forward to more rugby and hopefully international honours again, that's where every Welsh player wants to be."

For now, though, Czekaj is concentrating on Saturday's Magners League derby against the Dragons and the threat he says will be posed by another Wales contender - opposing wing Brew.

"There are always extra nerves and extra spice in a derby," said Czekaj. "I'm looking forward to it, it will be good."

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