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Bishop grateful for Henson

Friday 16th May 2008

Try time: Bishop's try against Leicester boosted his profile

Wales new boy Andrew Bishop has hailed the influence of Ospreys team-mate Gavin Henson in his selection for Wales' tour to South Africa.

Bishop was one of three uncapped players named in Warren Gatland's squad on Wednesday, alongside Bradley Davies and Warren Fury, and was surprised at how he came to being selected.

Gatland had consulted the injured Henson on the matter and Henson had no hesitation in recommending the 22-year-old Bishop.

"I did not realise that Gavin had said that, but I would like to thank him for those comments," Bishop told The Western Mail.

"I really respect him as a player and for him to say something like that when I am basically a rival means a lot and shows what type of person he is."

Bishop has been in contention with Henson and Sonny Parker for a position in the Ospreys side over the last few seasons.

And now, with Henson staying at home and only Bishop, Parker and Tom Shanklin providing the centre options, he has a fine chance of following his Ospreys team-mates into the Welsh ranks.

"Having Gavin and Sonny in the squad has helped a lot because you know you are playing for your place," said Bishop.

"When you play you have to perform, otherwise you are going to be out of the side."

And Bishop is hoping he can fill the role that Henson made his own during the Grand Slam triumph, while continuing his own personal form which saw him make a try-scoring impression in the EDF Energy Cup Final against Leicester at Twickenham.

"I have been playing a lot at twelve and I feel a bit more settled there at the moment," added Bishop.

"I think I have been a lot more consistent over the last couple of seasons and I feel I have been going well.

"The EDF Energy Final changed things for me. I don't usually score many tries and to get one in a high-profile game like that boosted my status a bit.

"It got me recognised because a lot of people don't know a lot about me.

"I quite like that because I enjoy being out of the limelight and doing the hard work like making tackles and winning turnovers.

"There are plenty of other players like Shane Williams who are around to do the special stuff."

Bishop has revealed how nervous he was about his possible inclusion in the South African squad after he was taken to Ireland last week as part of the pre-tour training squad.

"I received the text on Wednesday morning and we were delighted," said Bishop.

"The family were really chuffed and we had some champagne to celebrate.

"I was nervous because I knew I was close after being picked to go to Ireland, but you can never say and there is always that doubt in the back of your mind.

"Ireland itself was a tough week, but having a lot of Ospreys players there helped a lot.

"Although you were only working for 40-minute sessions in the days, they were so intense and I have never experienced that before.

"Warren Gatland is so easy to get on with, but when you start training you know you have to work hard.

"Now I have been chosen I would love to get that first cap, but, if it does not come out there, then I will have to keep working hard.

"But just to go out to South Africa and see first-hand what it is like to face the world champions would be excellent."