Ulster's Chris Henry is confident he can still make his World Cup dream a reality despite having heart surgery just last month.

After suffering what was described as an "episode" on the morning of the November Test with South Africa, a hole in the organ was discovered and subsequently operated on.

Having already defied expectations by returning to the Ulster gym quicker than expected, however, the Malone man is determined to beat the odds again and remind Joe Schmidt what he is capable of in time for next year's showpiece tournament.

While the Six Nations will come too soon, Henry believes that the quartet of warm-up games confirmed yesterday are a realistic target.

Ireland will play Wales twice, as well as England and Scotland, next summer, and Henry said: "For me, those four warm-up games hopefully will give me a bit of breathing space and I should get some game time.

"I'll just want to show that I'm back and fully fit and playing at my best.

"I don't know about having credit in the bank, Joe is not really that kind of guy. I know it will be whoever is playing the best at that moment so I'll need to show what I can do.

"I won't be trying to live on what I've done in the past."

While admitting that to miss out on a first World Cup appearance would be a big blow, recent months have given the fan favourite a new perception of what is important.

He continued: "If the World Cup is beyond my reach then I would be devastated, but this whole incident does give you perspective.

"There was a stage when I thought I would have to hang up my boots and, for me, I have to suck it up and realise that my body is only going to be ready when it's ready.

"I'll get over it, you have to, and come back again. I'm only 30-years-old, I don't think my best rugby is behind me."

Before thinking about pulling on the green of Ireland of course, Henry will be back playing for his province and he remains enthusiastic about aiding the PRO12 campaign in its latter stages.

"With the way things have gone in Europe for us, there's a massive focus now on the league and I would like to think that there's maybe six weeks of this season where I can contribute."

For now, the process of rehabilitation is required to be slow and steady with the 16-times capped openside able to run for the first time this week.

"It's very simple at the minute, I'll do maybe half an hour on the bicycle and 45 minutes on the cross-trainer.

"I did my first light running on Monday, and in my mind the hardest part is to taper back and not to push too hard.

"It's been a surreal few weeks so I'm still trying to get my head around everything that's gone on but I feel great.

"Watching the games is tough, but just being around the team, trying to help anyone else, hopefully I can contribute that way. I want the guys to realise that just because this has happened to me I'm not going to disappear.

"You don't just need 15 players you need everyone in the extended group to be doing their bit."

Pleased to be back amongst his team-mates, Henry also made special mention of the fans who have given their support.

"The Scarlets game was the first home game I've been able to get to since the incident happened and it really was amazing," he said.

"Everyone was coming up to you to see how you are and just showing real concern. It's lovely and I feel really lucky.

"It's really re-emphasised how amazing the rugby community is in this province."

Ever willing to see the positives, Henry will slow things down over the festive period as he is afforded the rare chance of a regular Christmas.

"It'll be the first normal Christmas week I've had in seven years so I'm going to look at it that way.

"I'm going to eat my Christmas dinner and not worry about whether I'll be able to run the next day.

"We'll hopefully get away for a short holiday in the New Year and then I'll be seeing the specialist in the middle of January.

"I'll get the review off him and hopefully be able to start stepping it up after that."

After the month he's had, nobody will begrudge him the chance to put his feet up until then.

Belfast Telegraph