Scarlets: Ken Owens ready for Wales recall, says Wayne Pivac

Ken Owens made his Wales debut against Namibia in the 2011 World Cup.

Hooker Ken Owens is ready for a Wales recall if required, says Scarlets coach Wayne Pivac.

Owens, 28, has not played for Wales since scoring a try in the 31-30 defeat by South Africa in June 2014.

He underwent surgery on a neck injury in October which kept him out of action for four months.

Scarlets captain Owens played his fifth game since returning in the 23-13 win over Leinster, with Pivac commenting: "He's ticking all the boxes."

The New Zealander added: "He's a good guy to have in the wings I think.

"Certainly he's shown with his physicality and fitness levels - he's doing everything.

"He's come back very strongly and I think he's ready to go for international rugby if they want to pick him.

"He's certainly doing everything at our level that we want him to do."

Wales face Ireland in a crucial Six Nations Championship match on Saturday, 14 March after back-to-back wins over Scotland and France.

Owens has made 26 appearances for Wales, and started both Tests against South Africa in the summer of 2014 when Gloucester hooker Richard Hibbard was sidelined by injury.

Hibbard was named on the bench for Wales' 20-13 Six Nations win over France in Paris, as Ospreys hooker Scott Baldwin got the nod in the number two shirt - as he did in the 12-6 win over South Africa in November 2014.

However, Owens looked to have recaptured his old spark as Scarlets maintained their unbeaten home record in the Pro12.

"He's got to get selected first, but he's ready," added Pivac.

Wales coach Warren Gatland is due to name his team to face Ireland on Tuesday.