Gavin Henson in contention for Murrayfield debut

The Wales centre joined the Blues on an eight-month contract in October but has yet to appear for the region as he continued his recovery from the dislocated wrist that ended his World Cup dream.

The 29-year-old was thought to be likely to take his bow in the RaboDirect Pro12 derbies against the Newport Gwent Dragons and the Ospreys over the festive period, but backs coach Gareth Baber says Henson has a chance of being in the matchday squad this week.

Baber said: “He has a little niggle in his hamstring but, in terms of his hand, he is back to where he needs to be and he will be available going forward.

“He will be in contention for the Dragons game and he is in contention for this week and could possibly be in the 23.

“He is a quality player and has had the time to get himself together and do his rehab properly, and hopefully when he makes his return he will be right on top of what he needs to do as I am sure there will be a lot of attention around him when he makes his debut for us.”

Meanwhile, Scotland stand-off Dan Parks has been backed by Cardiff coach Justin Burnell follwing grumblings among supporters about his style of play.

Ironically, it was Parks who came up trumps for the Blues last weekend when his haul of 20 points propelled them to victory over Edinburgh at the City Stadium. But, despite his regular points scoring feats, Parks has been the subject of criticism and Burnell said: “Dan keeps the scoreboard ticking over and he keeps us moving forward. People have been quick to say that he kicks a lot of ball away, but they lose sight of the fact that he keeps us moving up the pitch and in the right direction.

“In the Edinburgh match, they were being penalised in their own half and Dan kept stepping up and adding points. That is always unsettling for the opposition.”

Burnell said supporters need look no further than Wales’ all-time record points scorer to see the importance of an accurate kicker. He added: “At the end of the day it’s the old Neil Jenkins scenario of three points, then six, nine, 12, 15 etc. That is exactly what Dan does for us.”