BOSS Bernard Jackman says that Gavin Henson has been a shining example to his Dragons teammates by the way that he took being dropped from the side on the chin.

The 35-year-old former Wales and Lions playmaker was left out of the matchday squad to face the Ospreys on New Year's Eve after an underwhelming display against Cardiff Blues on Boxing Day.

Henson has been a hit since heading for Rodney Parade from Bristol in the summer, making 13 appearances and displaying his trademark time on the ball and classy touches.

However, he didn't hit those standards against the Blues when he was bumped off in the build-up to the opening try and was out of position for the second in a 22-17 loss.

Henson isn't the most prolific of Tweeters but took to social media after being left out of the matchday squad to give the reasons for his axe.

He wrote: "I wasn't physical enough in the contact area, especially after being bounced off so I've lost my place. It's an area of my game that isn't great at the moment so working hard on putting that right."

Head coach Jackman, who handed the 10 jersey to Arwel Robson with Angus O'Brien as his back-up, hailed the way that his fly-half has responded to the disappointment.

"Experienced players know when they are a little bit off and there are very few players who go the whole season in tip-top form," said Jackman.

"He had a bad day and we just felt it was better to take him out of it and give him some time to work. Obviously he is going to come back at some stage and I have been impressed him all season.

"His attitude has been spot-on and he is a good example to the squad of how to deal with a bit of bad news, how to suck it up and change it."