Shane Williams is set to return to action for Wales against France © Getty Images

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Wales wing Shane Williams has signalled his intention of being fit for their vital Six Nations trip to face France at the Stade de France next week.

Williams missed out on Wales' 23-15 win over England after damaging his ankle against Scotland at Murrayfield, but is now confident that he can bolster the Welsh backline for what could be a championship defining away game.

"All last week I had been optimistic about passing my fitness test and playing, but I was probably fooling myself," he said in his blog for Powerade. "I had been wearing a cast boot, so thought I would be okay, but as soon as I started running I knew I had no chance. Even if it had been the World Cup final I couldn't have gritted my teeth and played.

"Maybe if I was a prop-forward, but in my position I put a lot of pressure on my ankle, so there was no way I could play against England. Now, however, I can report that I am back in training, and while it is still a bit sore, I should be fine for the France game."

Williams, Wales' all-time leading try-scorer with 45 from 62 Tests, also admitted that watching Wales from the sidelines was as hard as playing for them. Despite his lack of involvement he also shared in the squad's disappointment at having not turned in a better performance in front of a passionate home crowd.

"It was a strange feeling last Saturday night. It is not often you beat England and don't feel completely euphoric," he said. "We weren't as happy as we expected to be because deep down we knew we could play a lot better. Then again, there was also a good deal of quiet satisfaction in knowing that we can win without playing at our absolute best.

"I can tell you though, that it was a horrible experience watching from the sidelines. The game felt like the longest 80 minutes of my life. England had a good game-plan, they defended well and were very physical. But although there were a few nerve-wracking moments, I felt we were comfortable throughout the game and we kept good possession. I was never too worried about England getting in front."