Henson admits his game is rusty

"I thought Gavin was terrific having been out for so long," said Johnson after Henson's comeback game for the Ospreys following a seven-week ban.

Henson kicked 14 points and set up his side's only try in the 22-18 win over Borders, and could be in line for a recall for Wales against Ireland.

But Henson, 24, admitted his game was rusty, while Mike Hall urged patience.

"Wales shouldn't pick Gavin next week in Dublin, it's too much pressure for him. After more games maybe he'll get in for the last Six Nations match," said former Wales captain Hall.

Gavin will be judged purely on his rugby ability and performance Scott Johnson

"He did OK against Borders but maybe we expect too much of him.

"He kicked immaculately, his defence was fine and he ran some nice angles.

"But that was only his fourth game of the season and he needs to play."

Henson's groin injury after the Lions tour kept him out of the start of the season.

He then played just three games before receiving a 72-day suspension for elbowing Leicester prop Alex Moreno in a Heineken Cup match in December.

I've a sneaky feeling that the Welsh management may end up selecting Henson in the squad to deflect some of the pressure off them From Honkeytonkman Join the Scrum V debate

Injury and the ban have therefore ruled him out of contention for every Wales Test this season, but it was unclear how welcome he would be in the national squad.

He was hauled before his Wales team-mates last autumn to apologise for comments about them in his book "My Grand Slam Year", but after a public statement of contrition the squad have insisted that he will be welcome.

"I have always found Gavin a really easy kid to coach and he will be judged purely on his rugby ability and performance," said Johnson.

"If I feel he is near the top of his game and fits into the best team I'm duty bound to pick him."

While Henson is unlikely to oust the first-choice centre partnership of Matthew Watkins and Haldane Luscombe next week, a place in the match-day 22 seems a real possibility.

Although he concedes he is not at his peak, Henson says he is desperate to return for his country.

There are no problems with me rejoining the squad if I am playing well enough Gavin Henson

"I live for Wales, I'm not sure if I'm good enough to get back in yet but I hope so," he told BBC Sport Wales.

"There are no problems with me rejoining the squad if I am playing well enough.

"I felt I was rusty against Borders, it's frustrating having had so little game time, but it's just good to be back on the field.

"The goal kicking pleased me, but my kicking out of hand was inconsistent as was my general play.

"I felt it coming together in the second half, but I'll just wait and see if Wales consider me for next week.

"I was sad to see [ex-Wales coach] Mike Ruddock go last week, he always picked me and it will be interesting to see what happens under the new coach.

"Mike had a great record and he started my international career after previous coaches hadn't backed me, I owe him a lot.

"I don't know his reasons for leaving because I haven't been in the squad, but it's a pity."