Evans is helped off after injuring his knee against New Zealand in 2008

Ian Evans is eager to regain his place in the Wales squad after serious injury but realises he must bide his time.

The Ospreys lock has barely played since a knee injury in November 2008.

"I just need to get myself back in the [Ospreys] team and see where I go from there, fingers crossed I can do it," Evans told BBC Sport Wales.

"I'm not expecting miracles and things have got to be a slow progression to get there [back in the Wales squad] in the end."

Cruciate ligament damage suffered in the autumn international loss to New Zealand at the Millennium Stadium in 2008 proved to be season-ending for Evans.

The 25-year-old had only just begun his return to action last October when he tore a major tendon in his chest playing for Swansea against Pontypridd.

"It's been a long road coming back, I had a set-back just at the start of October," Evans added.

"But hopefully I'm over the worst and I can start picking a few games up and get my form back on track."

Evans came off the bench for the Ospreys in their 45-19 Heineken Cup win over Viadana at the Liberty Stadium last month, then got 18 minutes under his belt in last week's 26-0 Magners League derby win over Welsh rivals Cardiff Blues.

The Ospreys are without another game before they return to European action, as Friday night's Magners clash against Ulster at Ravenhill has been postponed due to a frozen pitch.

The Welsh region sit four points clear at the top of Pool 3 but have crunch games away to Clermont and then at home to Leicester.

The French and English teams can overhaul the Ospreys and both also have to play group whipping boys Viadana - with games against the Italian side tending to result in bonus-point wins for their opponents.

"Hopefully I can be involved in some shape or form," Evans added.

"If I'm lucky enough to start I'll be more than happy just to pull the jersey on and stretch my legs.

"Everyone knows we've... got two important Heineken Cup games and then it becomes international selection.

"If you want to be involved in that selection you've got to play... so these coming weeks are going to be important."

Evans is under no illusions that at this point he is very much an outside shot to attract the eye of Wales coach Warren Gatland for his Six Nations squad.

But if and when Evans recaptures his full fitness and form, Gatland will surely be the first to welcome back a player who just 13 months ago was facing down the All Blacks' haka.

E-mail this to a friend

Printable version