Wales attack coach Rob Howley has praised Mike Phillips for his response to being called up after he was initially left out of the World Cup squad.

Lloyd Williams, Gareth Davies and Rhys Webb were the three scrum-halves selected when the squad was announced, but Webb has been ruled out of the tournament after injuring his foot in the warm-up win over Italy last Saturday.

Phillips has been drafted in as his replacement, and Howley admits that the 33-year-old is the perfect player to call on in the situation.

"The way he dealt with not being selected first and foremost was a huge plus and a positive for us," he told reporters.

"We've got him to come back in now with his experience, he's a street fighter. The physical attributes of his game are there for all to see.

"I think we're fortunate from a national perspective to call on someone of Mike's ability and physicality."

Wales start their Pool A campaign against Uruguay next Sunday.