Wales hooker Richard Hibbard has been tipped for a place on the Lions tour of Australia.
The Ospreys star has been in impressive form this season and has been dubbed the “best hooker in Europe” by the region’s forwards coach Jonathan Humphreys.
Hibbard is currently sidelined with a shoulder injury but he is expected to recover in time for the Six Nations and Humphreys reckons he can shine for Wales.
"I think he is the best hooker in Europe," said Humphreys.
"If I was picking (for the Lions) – yes he would be in there.
"I'm biased but I spend my life looking at opposition, looking at other hookers' strength and weaknesses.
"The kid is 112kg, phenomenally aggressive, outstanding at set piece. What more do you want? The kid can change games.
"He is very important to us [the Ospreys]."
"I thought he was phenomenal on the weekend.
"Here is a kid who has got a bad shoulder. We had to manage it all week and the first couple of minutes in the game he is smashing into people.
"He's a loyal kid. He wants to play. He wants to do his best.
"With one shoulder he was phenomenal and I hope he starts for Wales."
Hibbard faces competition from Scarlets duo Ken Owens and former Lion Matthew Rees in Wales’ Championship defence.
Hooker is also a highly competitive position in terms of Lions selection with Tom Youngs, Dylan Hartley, Ross Ford and Rory Best all among those in the running.
