WALES coach Warren Gatland denies there was ever an issue over Newport-born Ryan Jones retaining the captaincy of his country going into the autumn international games.

There has been widespread speculation that Jones was about to be stripped of the captaincy, a loss of form being blamed plus a feeling that Gatland wanted a change.

But Gatland firmly denied it yesterday at the formal squad announcement and instead blamed the media for exaggerating the whole business.

"I don’t see why there should have been conversations with Ryan about the captaincy, I never said there was an issue, it was created by the media after he missed out on Lions selection," he said.

"But he didn’t miss out because of his captaincy, it was due to his not playing that well towards the end of last season. He was aware of that.

"For me to go out and facilitate the Press because they were writing about it and thinking I was going to do it, that’s not the way I operate. If I’m happy with the way things are going I don’t need to discuss that. That’s it."

Jones admitted he had never lost faith in his ability to lead his country.

"I’m happy to have the job again for another campaign, it’s just been about playing and doing my best," he said.

"I’m obviously doing something right so I just need to keep going the way I am, it’s a job I treasure and it’s very important to me. It’s something I hold in very high esteem and I know it’s a special position to have.

"I am just looking forward to it, we have a great bunch of players here and there is a really nice blend to the squad.

"I’ve said before that this is only ever a job you are keeping warm for someone else anyway, it’s not a job you will have for life.

"It’s something I have done my way and I have thoroughly enjoyed. If and when the time comes to walk away I will hold my hands up high with a big smile on my face and cherish every moment of it, the highs and the lows.

"Explaining the revival in his form, Jones said, "People tend to write you off every now and again, but I am just enjoying myself and going out there trying my best.

"The only thing I have ever been is competitive, I’m just trying to build on that really. I don’t have to prove anyone wrong, all I ever do is give my best and if it’s good enough then it’s good enough, but some days it’s not. That doesn’t concern me.

"I know whose opinions are important and what I need to do. My goal is to go out there and do a job for them and myself.

"A lot was made about the summer but it has been and gone, I certainly can’t do anything about it now. You can’t dwell on things like that because you could go the rest of your career worrying about them.

"I’m looking forwards and I’m thoroughly enjoying my rugby at the moment."

And, backing up Gatland on the captaincy speculation, Jones said, "Things get blown up out of proportion. I just concentrate on what I can control. In the end I had a big summer break and after a pretty short pre-season came straight back into it feeling good."