Ospreys: Centre Owen Watkin aims to be back by end of season

Owen Watkin impressed in Ospreys' 40-27 win over Cardiff Blues in April 2016

Promising Ospreys centre Owen Watkin is hoping to return to action before the end of the season after undergoing surgery on his knee.

The 20-year-old broke into the Ospreys' first team at the end of the 2015-16 season.

He was withheld from the Wales Under-20 squad for the Junior World Cup in June to prepare for the new season, but tore a cruciate ligament in training.

"Stuff like this happens, it's part of the game," Watkin told BBC Wales Sport.

"You've just got to deal with it in the right way and I know I have the right team around me to help me get fit."

Watkin is highly regarded, having played a big part in Wales' Grand Slam in the 2016 Under-20 Six Nations and impressed in his 13 Ospreys appearances - including the Judgement Day win over Cardiff Blues.

He admits being frustrated by his long absence, but remains optimistic.

"I had the operation about 10 weeks ago so it's coming on nicely now," he added.

"I hope to be back before the end of the season but I've just got to work hard on my rehab now and hope for the best.

"I was fortunate to get game time last year and it was going well for me."