Adam Jones has taken the first step towards a Wales recall after being named in the Ospreys squad this weekend.
Jones has been selected among the replacements for his side’s Magners League clash with Glasgow Warriors at the Liberty Stadium as he battles back from an elbow injury.
The 29-year-old tight-head has been out of action since the Ospreys’ Heineken Cup defeat at London Irish in mid-January.
Wales were forced to do without one of their standout players for the opening three rounds of the Six Nations, with clubmate Craig Mitchell deputising against England, Scotland and Italy.
The extent of the injury led to predictions that Jones would be ruled out of the entire campaign but he has recovered far quicker than expected.
A surprise stars of the 2009 Lions tour, on which he established himself as one of the world’s leading props, Jones could now be called up to the Wales squad later this month.
If Jones makes a successful comeback on Saturday, he could be added to Warren Gatland’s international set up ahead of the clash with Ireland on March 12 or France on March 19.
"With his own aspirations for the rest of the term he is keen to get back on the park," said Ospreys skills coach Gruff Rees.
