WARREN Gatland has insisted that Adam Jones' World Cup dream is not over despite leaving the tighthead out of his squad for the Six Nations.

The legendary prop was a notable absence from the 34-strong squad with Gatland opting for the Ospreys' Aaron Jarvis and Cardiff Blues' Scott Andrews as the back-up for Samson Lee.

Eyebrows have been raised at the inclusion of nine-times capped Andrews as he is not only behind Jones in the Blues pecking order but Craig Mitchell and Taufa'ao Filise.

The 25-year-old has not started a league game this season for his region and was selected as a makeshift lock in their European Rugby Challenge Cup clash against Italian minnows Rovigo last Friday.

The decision has left many to question whether Jones will add to his 95 Welsh caps, the last of which came against South Africa last summer when he was hauled off after 32 minutes.

But head coach Gatland has said that the 33-year-old can still force his way back into the fray, saying: "At the moment Samson is our number one tighthead and we have been very impressed with his progress.

"We know exactly what Adam can and can't do and things that he is still working on. I don't think he's the sort of player that you pick on the bench and ask to make an impact, he's a starting number 3.

"I know that he is working hard and the door is definitely not closed. When we name a larger squad of 45 in the summer to start preparing for the World Cup he has got a big chance of being part of that.

"It was a long debate about leaving Adam out because we know he has been working hard and we know that if we get injuries we can call him in."

Gatland, who revealed they are monitoring the progress of Wales-qualified Exeter prop Tom Francis, is confident that Lee overcome a neck problem to face England in the tournament opener on Friday, February 6.

He said: "Samson is coming in to do some training this week and our physio is very encouraged by his progress. I don't think many things are going to keep him down so we are hopeful he will be alright."

Gatland has named four uncapped players in his squad – fly-half Gareth Anscombe, centre/wing Tyler Morgan, loosehead Rob Evans and hooker Kristian Dacey.

He said Leicester's decision to start with England's Freddie Burns rather than Owen Williams against the Scarlets last Friday denied the fly-half the chance to force his way into the mix for the first time, but that he is pleased the bright prospect has signed a new deal to stay at Welford Road.

"Owen has been at Leicester for a couple of years and another few playing for a quality side and getting experience in the Premiership will be good for his development," said Gatland.

I can understand Owen deciding to stay there because they made a commitment to him and he has shown loyalty, which is always good in the game and you have to admire that."

WALES 2015 RBS 6 NATIONS SQUAD

Forwards: Gethin Jenkins (Cardiff Blues), Paul James (Bath), Rob Evans (Scarlets), Aaron Jarvis (Ospreys), Samson Lee (Scarlets), Scott Andrews (Cardiff Blues), Richard Hibbard (Gloucester), Kristian Dacey (Cardiff Blues), Scott Baldwin (Ospreys), Alun Wyn Jones (Ospreys), Jake Ball (Scarlets), Bradley Davies (Wasps), Luke Charteris (Racing Metro), Dan Lydiate (Ospreys), James King (Ospreys), Sam Warburton (Cardiff Blues, Capt), Justin Tipuric (Ospreys), Taulupe Faletau (Newport Gwent Dragons).

Backs: Mike Phillips (Racing Metro), Rhys Webb (Ospreys),

Gareth Davies (Scarlets), Dan Biggar (Ospreys), Rhys Priestland (Scarlets), Gareth Anscombe (Cardiff Blues), Cory Allen (Cardiff Blues), Jamie Roberts (Racing Metro), Jonathan Davies (Clermont Auvergne), Scott Williams (Scarlets), Tyler Morgan (Newport Gwent Dragons), Hallam Amos (Newport Gwent Dragons), Alex Cuthbert (Cardiff Blues), George North (Northampton Saints), Liam Williams (Scarlets), Leigh Halfpenny (Toulon).