By Bryn Palmer

Henson has played fly-half, centre and full-back for Ospreys

Wales coach Gareth Jenkins insists he will have no qualms about playing Gavin Henson at full-back for their RBS Six Nations opener against Ireland.

"Gavin is a confident guy," Jenkins said. "He is not only a good dancer and a good drinker but he does carry a lot of confidence around about his ability.

"Gavin has played very effectively for Wales before in the number 15 jersey.

"It won't faze him and if he gets the opportunity to play there again, I'm sure he would be delighted."

Although most of Wales' players will take a rest this weekend ahead of the Six Nations, Jenkins has requested Henson play at full-back for the Ospreys against Ulster on Saturday.

The 24-year-old is most at home at inside centre, but injuries to wings Mark Jones and Shane Williams - who both miss the Ireland match - have forced Jenkins to reassess his backline options.

We know that on our day we can beat anyone, particularly in Cardiff Gareth Jenkins

Kevin Morgan and Gareth Thomas - who would normally compete for the full-back spot - are likely to feature on the flanks.

Playing Henson at full-back also allows Jenkins to get all his most creative backs on the field, with talented youngster James Hook set to start at inside centre with captain Stephen Jones at fly-half.

"You are only as good as your good players, and at the moment we are two or three key players down which is going to test our resources in the three-quarters," Jenkins added.

"But we still have quality players we can go to, and we want to get as many of them as we can in the team.

"If it means James Hook playing in a different position to usual then so be it. He is very likely to start at 12 alongside Stephen, and he won't be fazed either, that is for sure.

"This will be a big part of his development going forward, and he is capable of playing in other positions as well."

606 DEBATE: Where should Jenkins play Henson?

Jenkins insists Ireland "are definitely favourites for the Six Nations, that is for sure", but is confident his side will give a good acccount of themselves.

"We know that on our day we can beat anyone, particularly in Cardiff," he added.

"It is a very intimidating place to play, and Wales as a nation gets behind its team. All the ingredients are there for a fantastic opening game."