Joe Jacobson is hoping a resumption of first team action for Rovers can pave the way for an international future with Wales.

The defender returns to the squad for this weekend's League One trip to Huddersfield Town, hoping to reclaim the left-back position from Aaron Lescott.

Joe featured in Tuesday night's 2-2 draw between England's Under 21s and their Welsh counterparts, and having now outgrown that age bracket, he's hoping to eventually be given a crack at senior level.

"I think every player wants to play international football for their country," Joe told bristolrovers.co.uk, "I went away with the senior team last summer and was on the bench for a couple of games, but I didn't manage to get on.

"That is definitely the aim for me, and if I can get back into the Rovers team and play regularly and well, then hopefully a chance for Wales will come along.

"John Toshack (Wales manager) has always said that if you're playing regular first team football then you'll get a look in, so it's my aim now to get back into the Rovers team, perform well, and hope my opportunity comes."

Despite the midweek result at Villa Park being an encouraging one for Wales, Joe was disappointed that his side lost out on a place at next summer's UEFA European Under 21 Championships on aggregate.

"It was a good result, but we wanted to go there and win," he said, "We always knew we could create chances and we thought we had the ability to win the game. Had we shown a bit more discipline defensively then maybe we would have."

Although Joe hasn't been involved with Rovers lately, he's watched games from the sidelines, and been impressed with the recent turnaround in results.

"It's amazing what a run of results can do for you in this league," he said, "We started the season shakily, but a couple of wins and we find ourselves right back up there.

"A win this weekend and other results going our way and suddenly we're just a couple of points off the play-offs.

"I've spoken to Trolls since Tuesday, I've told him I'm available for the weekend if he wants me, and now it's up to him if he wants to put me in."