British & Irish Lion and Wales international Gavin Henson has been named in the Neath-Swansea Ospreys squad for Friday’s Celtic League clash against the Borders.
Henson has completed a 51-day ban imposed after he was cited for elbowing Leicester prop Alex Moreno in a European Cup match in December.
And the 24-year-old, who missed the RBS 6 Nations Championship matches against England and Scotland, is looking to put in a good enough performance to persuade Wales caretaker coach Scott Johnson to pick him for the clash against Ireland in Dublin nine days later.
"Much of the discussion at the moment seems to be about my involvement with the Wales team but I really want to just focus on achieving the same performance levels that I produced last season for the Ospreys," Henson said.
"Hopefully that will then be good enough for Wales if and when the time comes."
Since returning from the Lions tour of New Zealand Henson has managed only a handful of matches this season because of injury and suspension but he is confident his fitness levels are still good despite a lack of rugby.
"I have trained hard over the last seven weeks and I am looking forward to putting my boots on and giving 100% for the region," he said.
"I have received fantastic support from the directors, team management and the coaching staff and I am looking forward to repaying some of that faith between now and the end of the season.
"While the ban was disappointing it has given me an opportunity to improve my strength and conditioning and I am now back to the same levels as I was last season.
"I love playing rugby, I love playing for the Ospreys and I am looking forward to facing the Borders on Friday night."
Henson has not played for Wales since they sealed the RBS 6 Nations Grand Slam and has only figured in three matches for the Ospreys this season – twice against Leicester Tigers and once in a Christmas clash with Cardiff Blues.
