Ospreys fit-again flanker Ryan Jones is looking forward to meeting high-flying Gloucester in the next round of Heineken Cup and helping the Welsh club maintain their challenge in Europe.

Jones (pictured) has been out with injury for most of 2007 but made a successful return to first team action on New Year's Eve in the Ospreys' impressive 22-3 victory over Cardiff Blues.

Wales international Jones made his Ospreys comeback from a long-term shoulder injury after turning out twice for club side Swansea in the space of a week.

The British and Irish Lion is now looking forward to the Ospreys must-win Heineken Cup tie with Gloucester at the Liberty Stadium on January 12.

The Ospreys, who are sitting second in Pool 2, must beat group leaders Gloucester and then Bourgoin away to book a spot in the knock-out stage of the tournament.

"I'm looking to making up for lost time. It's been a torrid time and anyone who has had a serious injury will say the same," Jones told the ERC website.

"I've been through some dark times when I wondered if I'd ever be in one piece again.

"But there's no bigger motivation than playing on the biggest stage. It's like an addiction and you just can't replace it.

"The biggest fear I had was playing for Swansea before Christmas and having a setback.

"But I spoke to the medical staff and knew myself I was ready and think I've backed that up in the last three games.

"I want to play at the top and the three matches over Christmas are as good as it gets. I just want to play as many games as I can.

"I know it will take me six to eight games to back to form but I'm working hard and trying to take all the opportunities I'm given."

The Ospreys invested heavily over the summer and brought in former New Zealand flanker Marty Holah and Wales internationals Mike Phillips and Ian Gough to strengthen their squad.

Jones now insists that a spot in the Heineken Cup quarter-finals is the very least the Ospreys players expect from themselves.

"Of course it is," Jones told the Western Mail. "Make no illusions, we approach every game to win it. We do not accept a loss easily. We demand a lot of ourselves.

"If we can get it right (against Gloucester), we know we are not only capable of reaching the last eight but of doing well in the competition.

"It is just a case of getting it right."

Wales' new coach Warren Gatland will be monitoring Jones' return to fitness with a keen eye as the Ospreys player is likely to feature in the Six Nations opener with England on February 2.

The Ospreys meet Leinster in the Celtic League on Saturday before European ties with Gloucester and Bourgoin on consecutive weekends.

Terence O'Rorke / Eurosport