GAVIN Henson is back and determined to make up for lost time.

The golden boy of Welsh rugby returns to the squad for Sunday's RBS Six Nations clash against Ireland in Dublin.

Henson's season has been disrupted through injury and suspension and he has played only a handful of matches for his club side the Ospreys.

But now he is back in the Wales squad Henson is eager to make his mark and show the public what they have been missing.

He said: "I've missed it a lot, I never expected to miss so much of the season, but a lot of it has been out of my control.

"Missing the Autumn internationals was hard enough, but to miss the start of the Six Nations has been that little big harder."

Henson didn't expect to return to the squad so quickly having only played one club game since his return from a seven-week suspension.

His performance against the Borders at the Liberty Stadium on Friday night was mixed and he looked rusty compared to the Gavin Henson of last season.

And the 24-year-old admitted he was surprised to be back in the match-day 22 so soon.

He said: "It came as a bit of a shock when I got the nod but I'm realistic, I know that I'm not fully fit and am still rusty and I also know that if it wasn't for injuries to other members of the squad I wouldn't be on the bench.

"But I'm back and my season starts on Sunday and I'm determined to make the most of my opportunity. "I've never played at Lansdowne Road so that is something I'm looking forward to."

Henson's return to the Welsh squad this week was the first time he had been involved with the camp since his controversial book 'My Grand Slam Year' was released after the Lions' tour last year.

That book upset several members of the current Welsh set-up as well as Ireland skipper Brian O'Driscoll whom he criticised for trying to rough him up during last year's Six Nations clash at the Millennium Stadium.

But Henson insists there has been no problems with any members of the Welsh squad and does not expect any with O'Driscoll on Sunday.

He said: "The squad have been great and have made me feel really welcome.

"There are lots of Ospreys players in the squad so that helps. To be honest with you I wasn't sure what to expect but I've fitted in well with the boys and feel part of the squad.

"I think what I wrote in my book is done and dusted now. Everyone has had their say on it and I don't expect any problems with Brian after what was said.

"I toured with him last Summer and I was telling Hal Luscombe earlier this week what a great bloke he was as Hal wants to know what to expect."

Henson, however, does expect to get a fair bit of stick from the Irish crowd, but it is not something he minds. He said: "I get a lot of stick wherever I go and I guess Lansdowne Road will be no different.

"But that's not necessarily a bad thing. A good vocal crowd is good for rugby and I'm looking forward to the banter."

Henson will start on the bench and is not sure where he will fit in if called upon.

He said: "I will be asked to cover a lot of positions but I'm guessing with Barry Davies also on the bench my best chance of going on will be at centre or outside-half and that suits me fine."