Shanklin aggravated an existing injury on the Lions tour

The 26-year-old Cardiff Blues player was pleased with the results of a scan on his cartilage problem.

"The doctor was really happy, the inflammation's eased and he said I can step up rehabilitation," said Shanklin.

"I'm resigned to missing the Six Nations but hope to play before the end of the season and make the tour."

Shanklin - who recently admitted that the injury could end his career - tore his cartilage in a Celtic League game with Ulster in April.

I hope the WRU and Blues give him time to recover - back in time for a man of the tournament RWC 2007 From InTheBath Join the Scrum V debate

He aggravated the problem on the Lions tour before it ruled him out of a Test start, and the knee flared up again in his October comeback game at Wasps.

"I didn't give the injury enough time to rest because I wanted to go on the Lions tour so it got progressively worse, now I have to be patient," said Shanklin.

"It's been very frustrating, the longest lay-off I've ever had.

"But this is finally the positive news I've been waiting for."

Shanklin emerged as a key player for Wales in last season's Grand Slam campaign and was badly missed in the autumn internationals.