Fly-half Jones made his debut for Wales in 2005

Worcester Warriors fly-half Matthew Jones looks set to make his Guinness Premiership return after an impressive performance in the Amlin Challenge Cup.

The 25-year-old has been sidelined for eight months with an ankle injury but scored two points in Warriors' 19-7 defeat by Connacht.

"He showed the skills I know he has," director of rugby Mike Ruddock told BBC Hereford & Worcester.

"I thought he directed us really well and he constructed some great moves."

Jones is unlikely to start in the game against Northampton Saints on Boxing day, after only one A-team game and appearing as a replacement in the home tie with Connacht.

But Ruddock says he is happy to give him time to come back to full fitness.

He is a class act and he did more things right than not right Mike Ruddock

"I said in the first two games I would not judge him too much, but in the third game I would," Ruddock added.

"And I thought he passed the test superbly and played very well.

"He is a class act and he did more things right than not right."

Ruddock was also happy with the progress of full-back Chris Pennell, another player who has suffered with injuries this season.

"I thought Chris Pennell was outstanding as well, he made a couple of mistakes with kicks," he said.

"But the rest of his game was top drawer considering how long he has been out."

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