Wales lock Luke Charteris has backed hooker Lloyd Burns to push for a start in during the World Cup.

Burns, capped only three times by Wales, was named in Warren Gatland’s squad earlier this week as a replacement for injured hookers Matthew Rees and Richard Hibbard.

The 26-year-old signed his first professional contract last season with the Dragons, having played semi-pro with Cross Keys in the Principality Premiership the season before

Charteris, however, believes that his Newport-Gwent Dragons teammate deserves his place.

"Lloyd is a quality player and a great bloke," Charteris told the WRU website. "The attitude he came in with at the Dragons was great and you could see his talent from the off.

"He has real strength in the tackle area and he brings added back-row skills to the side.

"He is powerful round the park and has done well since he has come in and I think he will be challenging for a start."

Wales kick off their World Cup campaign against South Africa on Sunday, September 11.