Ryan Jones would "play anywhere" after the Ospreys forward was told his move into the second row may become more regular for both club and country.

The Wales captain and number eight won man-of-the-match for his display in his first regional game at lock in Friday's Heineken Cup win over London Irish.

"I just want to be on the pitch when the whistle goes," said Jones.

"Whatever they deem is best for the team I'll give it a go. If I play there hopefully I won't let anybody down."

The Ospreys feel playing lock may become Jones' regular position and his pace, ball-carrying ability and dynamism from the back-row have been criticised in recent years since he underwent major shoulder surgery.

Jonathan Thomas' "exceptional" performances this season at number eight in Jones' absence were also a reason why the 29-year-old moved forward in the Ospreys scrum on Friday.

And Jones reverted back to the position he once occupied for Newport, Bridgend and the Celtic Warriors for his first start of the season in the 27-16 European victory over London Irish.

Jones' superb work-rate and industry from second row was hailed by pundits and team-mates as his performance inspired the Ospreys to a thrilling triumph.

And Ospreys coach Scott Johnson has said: "I genuinely believe that after the 2011 World Cup we'll probably see a bit more of him there."

The Ospreys have an embarrassment of riches in the back-row that includes Jerry Collins, Marty Hollah, Thomas and youngster Justin Tipuric as well as Jones.

His return to the second row after an eight-year sojourn in the back-row could help his Wales cause as Warren Gatland has a depth of talent in the back-row including Thomas, Andy Powel, Martyn Williams, Sam Warburton, Gavin Thomas and Rob McCusker.

And Wales lock Alun Wyn Jones said: "It is a position he could be considered for international level as well as regional level.

"And I think his first cap for Wales was at lock. He played well on Friday but there is not a massive difference playing in the back five in the scrum."

But Jones said himself: "I'd like to think I've got a few more games left in me at number eight yet.

"I just want to play, that's all I've ever wanted to do."

And he said after Friday's performance: "There are different aspects to the game, I was a bit lost for certain patches early on but the more you play somewhere the more comfortable you become.

606: DEBATE Having Ryan playing so well is a big boost for the Ospreys, the work he got through for his first full game and playing out of position was incredible glamorganalun

"I came into the game hoping not to let anybody down, I came out and did my best and things went okay."

Ospreys wing Shane Williams' wonder try was the highlight of their Pool Three victory over the English Premiership leaders but Jones' all-action display won him the man-of-the-match award against London Irish.

"It was his first start of the season and in a different position and he goes away with man-of-the-match," said Williams.

"It was a great performance by him and I thought all of the forwards were exceptional."

And forwards coach Jonathan Humphreys added: "We were very confident that Ryan would perform and he gave us huge numbers around the field and is a great line-out forward while our scrum didn't suffer from him being there.

"We feel Ryan is a back five player and the way rugby is going, it will be big athletic men who play in the back five.

"Ryan will play for us at number eight and at lock while Jonathan Thomas will also do that.

"I don't think that will be of detriment to them getting selected for Wales. In fact, it will be a huge string to their bow."

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