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Jones hopes to face Edinburgh

Jones hopes to face Edinburgh

Ryan Jones is hoping to be available to face Edinburgh on Saturday following his latest injury set-back.

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The Ospreys star has been troubled by a shoulder problem since Wales’ RBS 6 Nations victory over Scotland.

He faced Benetton Treviso on the opening weekend of RaboDirect Pro12 action but was forced off and missed the tense draw with Leinster last week.

Jones made just nine starts for the Ospreys last season but he is looking forward to the region’s return to the Liberty Stadium.

“Fingers crossed I’ll get the nod from the medical team,” said Jones.

“If I’m selected, it’ll be great to get back out there in front of our home crowd at the Liberty Stadium.

“It’s a fantastic venue and our supporters have shown time after time that they can create a wonderful atmosphere.

“I was disappointed not to be involved in Dublin. The RDS is a great place to play and we’ve enjoyed a good record there in recent seasons. It’s one of the PRO12’s great rivalries, and last weekend was another classic encounter between the teams.

“We’re all looking forward to being back at home this weekend. It’s week three and it’s our first game at home. There’s a huge appetite for it and the players, just as much as the fans, are looking forward to getting some game- time at the Liberty.”

The Ospreys remain unbeaten this season, a stark contrast to last year where they lost their opening three league encounters.

Jones insists they have a long way to go but he reckons the fierce competition at the region will be hugely beneficial.

“The challenge we face as a squad now is to continue striving to improve,” said Jones.

“We aren’t the finished article based on two games. If we think we are, that’s where we’ll fall flat. We have to keep working hard.

“But we have been able to put in a fair bit of work this summer for the battles ahead. We’ve seen a few boys returning from injury and we’ve been bolstered by new faces coming in and players stepping up from age-grade. We’re in a good place.

“It’s hugely competitive here. We have huge strength in the back five and it’s an achievement just to get a game for the Ospreys.

“Look who’s been involved over the first few weeks: old heads like Joe Bearman have been excellent, while it’s been great to have Tom Smith back after a year out with injury. He’s been like a new signing. And, of course, we have youngsters like James King and Sam Lewis, who’ve been nothing short of exceptional.

“It’s incredibly satisfying as someone who has been here a long time and cares passionately about this region to see players like that coming through, even if it makes life difficult for me.

“I’m still as competitive as I’ve ever been. I still have huge aspirations for this region to be successful and be a team that no- one likes to play against, domestically and in Europe. We are striving to be the best that we can be as a group.”

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