WELSH outside half Stephen Jones says skipper Gareth Thomas has the full backing of the squad after his TV performance on Sunday.

Thomas has come in for huge criticism for his outbursts and revelations live on BBC's Scrum V on Sunday, with many people questioning his decision to agree to the interview.

And after the broadcast the Wales fullback was rushed to hospital with a severe migraine. He has still not returned to the squad.

Thomas remains a major doubt for Sunday's Six Nations clash with Ireland but Jones insists that the squad are 100 per cent behind their captain.

He said: "Sunday was an opportunity for Gareth to put his side of the story across and give his opinion on last weeks' events.

"I thought that Gareth did a fantastic job and the whole squad backed him in his decision 100 per cent to go on TV and give the interview. There should be no questions about his suitability to remain as captain."

Wales take on Ireland at Lansdowne Road in their third game of the 2006 RBS Six Nations Championship and Jones insists that despite Mike Ruddock's departure last week the squad are fully focused.

He said: "It was obviously a big shock to everyone and it's been a difficult time for the squad and for Welsh rugby.

"But the fact remains that we have seven days to prepare for an important game in Ireland and we are focused on getting a result.

"One of the features of our Grand Slam success last season was the team spirit and we have got to stick together through all of this.

"The spotlight is very much on us and we are under pressure to perform after everything that has happened and we will have to be accurate in our preparations this week.

"Scotland was an improvement but we know there are still a lot of areas to work on, but there is no reason why we can't get a result at Lansdowne Road."

Newport Gwent Dragon Ceri Sweeney has been ruled out of Sunday's game and Ospreys' wing Shane Williams remains doubtful with a dead leg.

But Scarlets centre Matthew Watkins has been passed fit and is expected to partner Hal Luscombe in Wales' midfield.

Gavin Henson is also expected to return to the squad and could even replace captain Thomas if he does not recover sufficiently from his migraine attack