SCOTT Johnson singled out a couple of shining lights on a grey day for the Ospreys at the Liberty Stadium.

In dismal conditions, the region came unstuck in their final pre-season friendly, losing 24-14 to Gloucester.

But an eye-catching display from new boy Richard Fussell raised Johnson's spirits, along with an impressive cameo from replacement Justin Tipuric.

''Who impressed? I'll leave that to you, but I think there's a pretty special No. 7 (Tipuric) on the way for Wales.

''He came on and is a very likely lad, no doubt about it.

''I thought Richard Fussell did well, too.

''He's a quality player who looked very good, so I'm very happy with him.''

The Ospreys' disappointment in defeat was tempered by the game being a friendly and the fact that they fielded a side strewn with inexperienced players.

Their line-out was unreliable in difficult conditions, especially in the first half, while the scrum was a mixed bag, with props on both sides being penalised regularly by referee Tim Hayes.

Johnson felt the overall effort left plenty to be desired, but he also had encouraging words for No. 8 Morgan Allen, son of former Wales lock Andy Allen.

''He's a good player for the future, even though he's a kid and a lot of the younger ones are under a heavy load physically,'' said Johnson.

''It's a discreet learning curve for the boys coming through. But for young kids under a heavy physical load to play well and do a number of subtle things well, we are quite happy with that.

''We are disappointed with the execution, obviously.

''But we know where people are physically.''

Meantime, Johnson has urged Jamie Nutbrown and Rhys Webb to step forward and challenge Mike Phillips for the Ospreys' No. 9 jersey in the season ahead.

But the Australian expects the combative Lions Test scrum-half to thrive on the extra pressure.

''Nutty did look composed on Saturday and I'm encouraging him and Rhys to put pressure on Mike this season,'' said Johnson.

''Mike is a quality player on the world stage, someone who is in the top echelon of No. 9s, but we want to make every spot competitive because that's the way to get the best out of people and put them under pressure.

''Some kids handle it and others don't.

''Mike needs to have it but he has been there, done that and will relish the challenge.''