Jones gives Ospreys a boost

The Welsh international starred for the British & Irish Lions on their summer tour of South Africa but hasn't featured so far this season.

Jones had surgery on his shoulder following the Lions' second-Test defeat in Pretoria and is still undergoing rehabilitation.

The 28-year-old has missed each and every one of his region's seven Magners League fixtures so far but could return for the mouth-watering local derby with the Scarlets on Boxing Day.

Ospreys head coach Sean Holley has claimed that the tight-head could be back playing again as early as December 19 when Viadana visit the Liberty Stadium in the Heineken Cup, although it is more likely that he will be involved against their Welsh rivals a week later.

"It isn't a precise science but there is an outside chance that Adam will be involved in the home game against Viadana," said Holley.

"More likely is the derby against the Scarlets.

"Whichever match it is, our physio Chris Towers is pleased with his progress. Adam is recovering well."

A return against the Scarlets would mean Jones will have to sit out just one more Magners League clash before lacing up his boots once more.

With the international break being swiftly followed by European action, Jones would only be missing for the trip to reigning Magners League Champions Munster on December 5.