Gavin Henson made his Wales debut against Japan in 2003

Ospreys coach Sean Holley has advised Wales against picking Gavin Henson for their summer tour to north America.

The Wales centre was sidelined for eight weeks after damaging ankle ligaments in the EDF Energy Cup semi-final defeat to Gloucester in March.

Henson had a slim hope of being a late call-up for this summer's Lions tour to South Africa if he impressed for Wales.

But Holley said: "The Wales tour might come a bit early as he would not have played for six or eight weeks."

The 27-year-old admitted his season was over after his injury curse struck again in that 17-0 EDF Energy last four defeat at the Ricoh Arena.

But double Grand Slam winner Henson is expected to recover from injury before Wales' two-Test summer tour to play Canada in Toronto on 30 May and United States in Chicago on 6 June.

Lions coach Ian McGeechan, whose side begin their three-Test showdown with the world champions in Durban on 20 June, would have watched Henson's progress in north America with great interest.

Henson pulls up with an ankle injury

And if the Ospreys star - who admits he would be a "liability" on a Lions tour - recovered well from his injury, a call-up to play the Springboks would have been a distinct possibility.

But Henson's club coach Holley said a summer tour "might be a difficult ask" for the 31-times capped international.

"It could be a risk," said Holley.

Henson has suffered an injury-ravaged season and missed the autumn series because of an Achilles problem then missed the start of Wales' Six Nations Grand Slam defence with a calf injury.

Holley has also ruled Henson out of playing any part in the Ospreys' remaining Magners League games.

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They face Newport Gwent Dragons at the Liberty Stadium on Thursday followed by a home clash with Glasgow and a trip to Heineken Cup champions Munster.

Holley said: "Gavin's injury is obviously a difficult one because it's on his foot and his ankle, but he's making progress.

"He's working hard with the medical team.

"I'm not sure he's going to make it to one of the remaining games, which is disappointing, but I'm sure now we'll look forward to getting him right pre-season."

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