DIRECTOR of rugby Alan Solomons is convinced “talented” centre Ashley Beck would have won “a lot more caps” for Wales had he not been blighted by injuries.

Beck was back in sparkling form for Worcester Warriors as he marked his long-awaited return to action with a try in Saturday’s 57-23 win over Leicester Tigers at Sixways.

The 29-year-old was making his first outing since breaking his leg 11 months ago and played an influential role in the Premiership Cup triumph on the opening day of the season.

The nasty injury is among a long list sustained during his career as he struggled with groin, hip, ankle and knee problems at Ospreys before moving to Warriors last summer.

Beck has made seven appearances for his country with his last outing coming six years ago but Solomons believes the Welsh wizard should have added more.

“It was fantastic to see him in action,” Solomons said.

“He is a terrific rugby player and I believe he would have had a lot more caps had he not had the injuries that he has had.

“It was great to see him get 80 minutes considering he has not played for ages.

“I am not saying it was the equivalent of a Premiership game and it’s the beginning of the season, but I thought he did really well.”

With wing Dean Hammond forced off just before the break due to a blow the head, Beck went on to play the entire match.

“As Dean had gone off I asked Ash at half time ‘do you think you can run the 80 minutes?’,” Solomons explained.

“We had made a plan if not, but Ash said ‘I am sure I can do it’.

“He had really bad luck last year and has had a lot of misfortune during his career.

“But he is a talented footballer.”

Solomons was also delighted to see Jono Lance pulling the strings at fly-half and taking on the kicking duties.

The Australian who was ruled out for four months due to a back problem in the 2018-19 campaign dispatched all but one of his shots at goal.

“Jono has been working hard at his kicking and takes a lot of pride in it,” Solomons said.

“I thought he kicked really well on Saturday, both out of hand and off the floor.

“I thought across the board the lads did really well.

“But it was great to see was Jono and Ash who were out for virtually the whole season.

“They have not been on the pitch for a long, long time and I thought they gave a really good account of themselves which was really nice to see.”