Wales scrum-half Mike Phillips is set to return after four months out in the Ospreys’ Magners League clash with Connacht at the Liberty Stadium.
The British and Irish Lion damaged ankle ligaments in their Heineken Cup win over Clermont Auvergne in October.
And Holmes is backing Mike Phillips for an immediate re-call to the Wales team to face France.Â
The Magners League game against Connacht at the Liberty Stadium will mark his first rugby in four months. But Wales No9 great Holmes believes the 38-cap star could push for a return to the Wales squad for the Six Nations tie against France a week later.Â
Holmes said: “There are always going to be question marks about whether players are going to be back to their best (after that time out).Â
“It might be considered a gamble but there’s an option of taking a chance and sticking Mike Phillips on the replacements bench.Â
“If he is slow (against Connacht) then he is going to struggle. But if he is looking sharp then he might well be considered to come on as an impact player against France.”
