Dai Young confident on James Haskell's availability for Six Nations opener against France

Wasps boss Dai Young expressed confidence on James Haskell making his comeback for England in the Six Nations opener against France on 4th February after he was declared fit.

The 31-year-old made his first comeback for Wasps in the Aviva Premiership game against Leicester Tigers after he underwent a foot surgery following England's tour of Australia last summer.

However, his comeback was restricted to just 35 seconds after he suffered another head injury during the encounter and was forced to miss Wasps' last weekend European Champions Cup clash against Toulouse.

Having successfully completing the return to play protocol, Young confirmed that Haskell will be available for the upcoming Champions Cup game against Zebre.

"He finished all his injury protocols over the weekend so he'll be available this week. We'll definitely involve him, he'll probably start - either at six or seven I'm not sure yet - but he'll definitely be involved," he said.

"He is just bursting to get out there now. We have had a lot of players who have played a lot over the last six or seven weeks so for the likes of Has to come back means we're starting to get into a better position.

"I really felt for him. He has taken a bit of stick over it and if you give it you've got to be prepared to take it. He'll be the first one to rib someone if the shoe was on the other foot. He's really eager to get out there now and hopefully get some big game time."

Earlier, England coach Eddie Jones stated that he is expecting Haskell to be available for the clash against Guy Noves' men despite his last appearance for the red rose team coming way back in June.

Young wants to give the 6ft 4in back-row as much of match practice before he heads to play for England.

"We were confident with his foot injury that he'd be back for the Six Nations. It's typical really, he comes back, plays one game for us and goes and plays in the Six Nations," Young said.

"We were never going to push him or put him under pressure to come back. He has worked really hard and it would have been nice if he'd come off the bench and been involved this week and last week as it would have been a good lead in for him. He is extremely fit and he wants to get back out on the field. I'm sure he'll play a big part in England's campaign."

Young also insisted that Haskell is feeling more secure under Jones, who has backed the Wasps' star ever since he took over England role from Stuart Lancaster.

"He certainly feels a lot more confident and valued in this set-up, I think that's fair to say, and his performances on the field support that and helped his case," Young said.

"He's gone out there and played some of his best stuff.

"Eddie thinks a lot of him and even when he has been injured they've invited him down. He's always been important to the squad, they value his input, and it's the same with us. Although he hasn't played, his opinion is valuable.

"He's had 35 seconds but he's trained for four weeks and come through with flying colours. It's not like playing but he'll have a bit of time this week and I'm sure they (England) will do some contact (training) there.

"In an ideal world he'll have more game time under his belt but he's experienced enough for it not to faze him. Sometimes it's more of a confidence thing but that's not something James struggles with."