Jones is confident he secure a place in the England squad

Paceman Simon Jones is ready to force his way back into the England side.

Jones has not played for England since suffering a knee injury in the first Ashes Test 14 months ago.

But he told Radio Five Live's Sportsweek programme he is at peak fitness ahead of the tour to West Indies starting in March.

Jones said: "I'm feeling really good at the moment. My fitness is good, I'm feeling strong and my bowling action has come along really well."

Selectors left a place open for the Glamorgan speedster when they named the England squad last week.

It's good I've got a chance to prove myself and the selectors are backing me Simon Jones England gamble on Jones

They want him to prove his fitness on the England Academy's tour to India in February before including him.

Jones has spent the past two-and-a-half months with the Academy strengthening his knee and working on his fitness.

"I've worked really hard at the Academy," Jones said.

"The past 14 months has been a big test and I'm glad it's in the past now.

"It was so hard thinking I might not play again and it's nice to know I'm in with a chance of playing for England again.

"All I could do is work as hard as I could but there is always the doubt in the back of your mind."

Jones is confident he will be able to impress selectors in India, but admitted he would take things easy early on.

"I've been told to ease myself back in. I played three games last season and got through them well," he said.

"I'll ease myself back in India, play three or four games and try to prove myself to get into the England squad.

"To get rewarded with a place in the West Indies is a hell of a thought for me."

England's first Test in the Caribbean gets under way in Jamaica on 11 April.