WARREN Gatland had no doubts about including Gavin Henson in his 32-man Wales squad to face the Tri Nations superpowers and Canada next month.

The controversial Ospreys star hit the headlines for all the wrong reasons again recently.

Highly talented, the 26-year-old centre was banned for two matches by his region for reacting poorly to criticism and missing training.

The ban was rescinded on Saturday when Henson was named on the bench for the Ospreys’ Heineken Cup clash with Perpignan after James Hook pulled out at the last-minute with a back problem.

But the Ospreys decided not to bring Henson on and the ban meant he also missed their Heineken Cup defeat against Leicester Tigers the week before.

It has meant Henson has had precious little game time since picking up a serious ankle injury last April, only playing in the 24-23 EDF Cup victory over Harlequins three weeks ago since his return from long-term injury.

But Wales coach Gatland said Henson is in superb condition and leaving him out was never an option: “I wasn’t keen on leaving Gavin out – he’s not a bad player,” he said.

“I was very pleased with him in the 6 Nations last season. We all know when Gavin starts for Wales, our performances tend to be positive.

“Physically he is in great nick. There wasn’t any doubt about leaving him out.

“Gavin’s the type of player who, before he makes himself available, does an incredible amount of work in the gym.

“He makes sure he’s right physically and mentally. Gavin’s a confidence player.”

Gatland also revealed Newport Gwent Dragons’ in-form back row player and defence coach Colin Charvis was never in the frame for a call-up.

But he said former Dragons, Wales and Lions No 8 Michael Owen, now with Saracens, had been close.

Apart from the Grand Slam back row players, minus the injured Jonathan Thomas, the other spots go Cardiff Blues’ Andy Powell and the Scarlets’ Dafydd Jones.

Brecon-born Powell was in superb form and named man-of-the-match during the Blues’ excellent 37-24 Heineken Cup victory over Gloucester on Sunday.

Gatland: “We didn’t consider Colin Charvis but Michael was an option. We’ve been pleased with his performances and he’s had a good start to the season – I wouldn’t say the door is close for him.

“Andy Powell – where was he last season? Sitting on the side-line because of his injuries.

“Against Leinster and Gloucester he produced world-class performances.”

Powell is one of five uncapped players in the squad.

There is a call-up for Sale Sharks’ 21-stone prop Eifion Roberts from St Asaph, the highly promising teenage pair Dan Biggar and Leigh Halfpenny, who both played for Wales Under-20s in this year’s IRB Junior World Championship, and Scarlets scrum-half Martin Roberts.

Ospreys outside-half Biggar, just 18, booted the region to their scrappy 15-9 win over Perpignan on Saturday, kicking all their points from five penalties, and winger Halfpenny was in great form, scoring two tries, for the Blues against Gloucester at the Millennium Stadium.

l Wales’ matches with world champions South Africa on November 8 and New Zealand on November 22 are sold out but tickets are still available for the Wallabies match on Saturday, November 29 and Canada on Friday, November 15 - go online at www.wru.co.uk or call 08705 582582.

Wales squad, Backs: G Cooper, D Peel, M Roberts, S Jones, J Hook, D Biggar, J R, A Bishop, T Shanklin, G Henson, S Williams, M Jones, L Halfpenny, L Byrne, M Stoddart Forwards: G Jenkins, D Jones, H Bennett, M Rees, R Hibbard, A Jones, E Roberts, R Thomas, AW Jones, I Gough, I Evans, L Charteris, D Jones, A Powell, M Williams, R Sowden-Taylor, R Jones (capt)