Shanklin aggravated an existing injury on the Lions tour

The Wales and Lions three-quarter, 26, says he feels fit enough to play in Cardiff Blues' final league ties with Leinster next week and then Munster.

But after seven months out with serious knee cartilage damage that threatened his career, the move is unlikely.

"I'd love to play, but I have to be sensible and I doubt the physios and coaches will let me," said Shanklin.

"I had a scan over a month ago that showed the joint was settling down and the cartilage growing back, and I feel pretty fit.

It was hard to take when the doctor said there was a chance I wouldn't play again Tom Shanklin

"I won't be going on Wales' summer tour to Argentina unless it's to help carry the kit bags, though!"

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.

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.

"The year has been really bad, I couldn't do anything for three months and it was so boring," Shanklin told BBC Sport Wales.

"It was hard to take when the doctor said there was a chance I wouldn't play again, but I think there's an element of them covering themselves.

I'm sure Gareth Jenkins is a good choice as the new coach Tom Shanklin

"I've been taking so many pills, but I feel that positive thinking has helped and the fact that I haven't done too much too soon.

"[Wales conditioning coach] Mark Bennett has been great, and the last two months have been like a normal pre-season, I've been doing everything.

"I do miss the crack of being with the Wales boys. I'd love to be in Argentina.

"I'm sure Gareth Jenkins is a good choice as the new coach, I got on really well with him on the Lions tour.

"He's a good guy and gets great performances out of people."