WARREN Gatland says Dragons-bound hooker Richard Hibbard can give Wales a “good dilemma” if he forces his way ahead of Elliot Dee in the Rodney Parade pecking order.

The 34-year-old is returning from Gloucester next season after penning a deal with the Dragons through to 2021.

Wales are blessed with options at the heart of the front row with Ken Owens, Dee and Scott Baldwin picked for the Six Nations ahead of Kristian Dacey and Ryan Elias but Hibbard could give the management food for thought if he hits the form he has shown for the Cherry and Whites.

The front rower played all three Tests in the Lions’ series win against Australia in 2013 but was last capped by Gatland against Ireland three years ago before being cut from the squad for the World Cup.

After also missing the cut in 2007 and then suffering injury misery in 2011, the prospect of giving Gatland a headache in the build-up to Japan 2019 would be appealing for the hard-hitting forward.

“The big thing about that is who is going to be number one hooker at the Dragons? If it’s Richard Hibbard then that means Elliot Dee misses out,” said Gatland.

“Elliot is a really exciting player for the future, so Richard is going to provide some really good competition for him.

“Potentially he forces his way into a number one position at the Dragons or he’s a player of plenty of experience who can play in a number of games or come off the bench.

“That’s a good dilemma for us to have with two quality players in that position at the Dragons. The unfortunate thing is one of them might miss out, depending on who ends up number one.”

Hibbard is coming to the end of his career but Gatland won’t shut the door on seasoned campaigners despite leaving 31-year-old centre Jamie Roberts and 34-year-old lock Luke Charteris out of his Six Nations squad.

“For those players like Jamie and Luke Charteris, there is still an opportunity,” said Gatland.

“We picked some youngsters in the autumn, and we felt there was a chance for us to continue the work of those players.

“We know what Jamie is able to give us and the message to Jamie and Luke is they’re not out of the picture.”