Welsh coach Warren Gatland warns Gavin Henson
Welsh coach Warren Gatland has told centre Gavin Henson that it may take him some time before he can reclaim his position in the Welsh team.
Gatland was speaking after Henson gave an interview in which he stated, "I really believe that I might only need one or two games to prove I've still got it and I think the Welsh team has slightly missed me a bit."
The Wales coach warned Henson that this was unlikely to be the case and said, "It will take him a while to get back and if his club form is not good enough, he won't be selected."
"We know the quality of him as a player, but he has been out of the game for a while."
Henson has not played competitive rugby since March 2009, and the British and Irish Lion has been on unpaid leave from the Ospreys since then.
Henson has made it clear that he wants to play his rugby in London to be closer to his family, and Saracens is the latest club to be linked with the player.
Gatland said, "Until he starts playing rugby again, wherever that is, that's when we'll start potentially thinking about Gavin again."
The Welsh coach admitted that Henson would not find it easy to cement a place in the international side when he returns.
The versatile and skilful James Hook is now an automatic choice in midfield, and Henson will have to fight it out with Andrew Bishop and Tom Shanklin for the other centre position.
"It is difficult to comment on Gavin unless you see him play and see what kind of shape he is in physically, and that will be the most important thing."
The Welsh manager will be eager to see the talented player return ahead of the 2011 World Cup.
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