FORMER British Lions prop Darren Morris insists he is close to agreeing a new contract with Worcester Warriors.

The 18-times capped Welshman, who was man-of-the-match in Worcester's 25-5 victory over Bristol, also revealed that he hasn't given up hope of an international recall.

With more performances like the one at Sixways on Saturday, the 33-year-old will be a valuable commoditiy for Mike Ruddock.

Morris, who moved to Worcester from Leicester Tigers at the end of the 2006 season, said: "I'm really keen to stay at Worcester, but it is a professional game these days and we have to take each step at a time.

"We're in discussions at the moment and I'm happy with the way things are progressing. Worcester have invested in players and the stadium, which shows how ambitious the club is.

"We are very fortunate to have someone in charge who can see the bigger picture and I want to be part of that."

On recent form, Morris can genuinely stake a claim for inclusion by new Wales coach Warren Gatland.

The loose-head prop said: "I'm not retired from international rugby and I still have aspirations to play at that level. My phones is on and I won't give up hope.

"It's not a case of sticking my hat in the ring for Wales selection, because I never took it out - it was kicked out now and again though!

"With Gatland now in charge, everyone has a clean sheet. He has said that he will be looking everywhere for players and I need to perform week in, week out.

"Prop is a very technical position and there are a number of players in the Wales squad who are very good at it, but I believe I am just as good as them."

After terrorising the Bristol front row as Warriors gained their first Guinness Premiership win of the season, Morris was given a standing ovation by the Sixways crowd.

The man from Pontypridd added: "We're over the moon with the win because it was something we had concentrated on for a number of weeks. Having performed very well in the European Challenge Cup, we felt we were well prepared. It was a very physical game and there are very small margins which led to victory and we got the upper hand.

"We had a really happy dressing room at the end of the game and want to keep things going now."