Adam Jones is in a hurry to make an impact for Wales in the Six Nations.
British Lions star Jones was ruled out for six months after requiring shoulder surgery following the second Test in South Africa last summer.
The fit-again, tighthead prop made a long-awaited return for the Ospreys in the Heineken Cup against Viadana two weeks ago.
And Jones admits he is determined to hit the ground running over Christmas and regain his status as Wales’ ‘Mr Indispensable’ ahead of the championship opener with England at Twickenham on February 6.
Jones, 28, said: “The shoulder is okay now and it’s nice to be back.
“I’ve always been confident in my own ability but it’s nice to hear praise from people. But with that comes a lot of pressure. I want to get some form over the next few weeks and my target is to get some starts.
“Then I hope to get picked for the Six Nations and England first up. But that is down to Mr Gatland. I don’t think it will take me too many games to get back up to speed. We will be confident of doing well in the Six Nations.”
Jones will have the chance to impress Lions and Wales coach Warren Gatland in the Ospreys’ Welsh derby clashes against the Cardiff Blues on New Year’s Day.
But, after cameos against the Italian minnows and the Scarlets on Boxing Day, Jones revealed his comeback has been difficult.
Jones said: “”The game has changed so much in the six months I was out. I need to work hard and get back to the level where I was at before and on the Lions tour.
“It was the best rugby of my career. It was a brilliant tour and I really enjoyed it. There had been a lot of negativity from the 2005 tour but the team spirit was exceptional.
“But that has gone now and I need to get back into the swing of things. We’ve got some big games coming up in both the Magners League and then the Heineken Cup before the Six Nations starts.”
