Jones will be on crutches for another three weeks

Jones was virtually ruled out of the series after having surgery to repair damaged knee cartilage last month.

But the 27-year-old expects to be back in training by September, giving him a month to prove his fitness.

"There's always a possibility for me to go. I want to push for a place to go on that tour," he told BBC Sport.

"I've got to work as hard as I can because there is no better feeling than to play against Australia in an Ashes series. That is what's keeping me going."

Jones flew to America in June to have microfracture surgery on his left knee by pioneering surgeon Dr Richard Steadman.

The Glamorgan star was told to rest for three months, prompting England team doctor Peter Gregory to say Jones' participation in the Ashes was "extremely unlikely".

I just laugh at the people who write me off in the press. I use it as fuel to prove them wrong and make them eat their words Simon Jones

But Jones is remaining positive and revealed that watching highlights of last year's Ashes victory, when he took 18 wickets in four Tests, is helping to remind him of what he could be missing.

"The DVD has been out a few times just to keep me going," said Jones, who will be on crutches for another three weeks.

"It has been hard work these last five weeks and it's only going to get harder, but the rewards will be better if I do get back."

The domestic county season will be over by the time Jones starts bowling in the nets again.

One option he is prepared to take would be to join a southern hemisphere side for some competitive practice, but Jones says the England medical staff will have the final say on how to manage his rehabilitation.

This is the fourth time in as many years that Jones has been sidelined by surgery.

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His injury jinx began on England's last visit to Australia in 2002 when he ruptured a cruciate ligament in his right knee while fielding against Australia at Brisbane and was sidelined for 15 months.

Last year, he missed the winter tour to Pakistan after having ankle surgery but went with the side to India, only to twist his left knee during practice, which necessitated another operation.

Some have expressed doubt about whether Jones can recover from this latest setback, but the combative Welshman says quitting is not in his nature.

"I've got six to seven years ahead of me. I just want to keep going. It's never entered my mind to give up," said Jones.

"I just laugh at the people who write me off in the press. I use it as fuel to prove them wrong and make them eat their words."

Jones is the second Ashes hero to declare his intention to be fit for Australia after spinner Ashley Giles voiced confidence in his recovery from hip surgery.