Shanklin has rejected suggestions he will never play again

Shanklin has not played for six months because of serious cartilage damage which threatened to end his career.

The Blues end their season against Ulster, Leinster and Munster.

And Shanklin told BBC Wales: "I'd hope to come off the bench in the last two or three so I don't start next season without any rugby under my belt."

Shanklin tore his cartilage in a Celtic League game with Ulster almost a year ago, but returned to fitness following surgery to take his place on the summer Lions tour to New Zealand.

I am doing power lifts and Olympic lifts in terms of weight training Tom Shanklin

The problem soon flared up again, though, forcing him to return home before the first Test.

His comeback game for the Blues in October lasted only 35 minutes as he felt another twinge in his knee, prompting fears his career was over.

But Shanklin has been training since January without any adverse reaction and now feels close to full fitness.

He added: "I am in, what in effect, is a mini pre-season at the moment and I am running every other day and doing gym work.

"I am doing power lifts and Olympic lifts in terms of weight training and there has been no reaction from the knee."

Despite the encouraging progress, Shanklin has ruled out playing any part in Wales' summer tour to Argentina.