JAMES Haskell made a long-awaited return from injury as a second-half replacement against Bayonne last week, but Wasps director of rugby Dai Young says he’s still got work to do to force his way back into the starting team.

Haskell has missed six months with tendonitis and in his absence Sam Jones, Ed Jackson, Guy Thompson and Nathan Hughes have put a marker down.

Ashley Johnson has been superb again this season too, and Haskell’s place in the back row is far from sure.

Young said: “Hask has worked hard and is desperate to get back and show everybody what he can do. Someone like him coming back and playing like we know he can would be a massive boost to us.

“But he’s an honest guy and knows he’s got to get into the team first. That’s not easy when people like Ashley Johnson and Sam Jones have been outstanding. Nathan Hughes has put a marker down and Ed Jackson was Man of the Match [against Bayonne].

“It’s quite a competitive back row but we all know how good he can be on his day.

“I’m looking forward to having a few selection headaches.”

Haskell himself admits it’s going to be tough.

The 28-year-old said: “It’s quite daunting if you want to come back and get fit and you watch big, powerful, speedy guys playing great rugby.

“You think, ‘Oh god I’ve got to get back into that, how do I do that?’”