Ryan Jones has tipped Bath number eight Gareth Delve for glory at international level after his Wales Six Nations call. Wales and Lions back-rower Jones was a revelation in his first international season last year, but a shoulder injury will now keep him out until 2006/7.
Jones came up through the junior ranks with Delve, 23, and says he will excel.
"Gareth's a complete player and will shine at international level, he has a fantastic rugby brain and reads the game so well," Jones told BBC Sport.
"Gareth's come back from major injuries and thoroughly deserves a call-up.
 |  I'm over my injury problems now and absolutely delighted to get the Wales call |
"I wish him all the best. There's a lot of competition in the back row, that's good for the players and good for Welsh rugby."
Cardiff-born Delve has been in outstanding form for Bath after fighting back from an appalling series of injuries that meant he had only started three games in his five years at the club before this season.
The Colston's College product has undergone shoulder reconstruction and overcome a damaged cruciate ligament in his right knee and a broken foot.
He actually made the Wales squad under Steve Hansen in 2003, playing as a substitute in the non-cap 48-35 loss to the Barbarians at the Millennium Stadium.
| I've been impressed with the way Gareth has come back from numerous injuries |
He was set for the summer tour of Australia and New Zealand and the autumn World Cup, but instead underwent a second shoulder operation after injuring himself in the Baa-Baas game.
"My dream was sadly cut short in 2003, but I'm over my injury problems now and absolutely delighted to get the Wales call," Delve told BBC Sport Wales.
"Being part of a very competitive Bath squad has helped me - but I'm sure the lads in the England squad are going to give me some ribbing in training!"
 Wales' pack selection could revolve around Owen's role |
Delve's mettle has certainly made a mark on Wales coach Mike Ruddock.
"I've been impressed with the way Gareth has come back from numerous injuries to play some excellent rugby for Bath," said Ruddock.
"He's showed up well as a runner, passer and footballer, and he gives his club good go-forward.
"The back-row is a strong area for us. It's a big headache for me - but a nice one.
"A lot will come down to balance and to the opposition and the way we want to play."
Speculation over that balance has been that Wales number eight and vice-captain Michael Owen could move to second row, opening a spot for Delve or in-form Scarlets number eight Alix Popham.
Injuries to Brent Cockbain and Luke Charteris, plus Ian Evans' suspension for the first two games of the Six Nations, mean that the only out-and-out locks in Ruddock's squad are Ian Gough and Robert Sidoli.
The Ospreys' Jonathan Thomas has also been selected as a second row, although most of his international game-time has been in the back-row.
To further muddy the selection waters in the back five of the pack, Ruddock has sung the praises of Dafydd Jones after welcoming the Scarlets blind-side back from injury, taking Robin Sowden-Taylor's squad place.
"Robin has a big future with Wales and will be pushing hard for a place on the summer tour, but Dafydd's return enables us to think of Colin Charvis as an out-and-out open-side," said Ruddock.
MMIX
E-mail this to a friend 
Printable version 
