Michael Cheika keen on Ashley-Cooper return

Wallabies coach Michael Cheika says he is happy with veteran Adam Ashley-Cooper's bid to earn a place in their squad for the 2019 World Cup in Japan.

The 34-year-old utility back played the last of his 116 tests against New Zealand in 2016 and has been in talks with the Waratahs about a potential return to Super Rugby next season and force his way into Cheika's squad.

"He said, 'I'm not looking for any favours or entrees or anything, I want to come back through Super Rugby, prove myself that I'm good enough to take the spot'," Cheika told reporters.

"And if he plays good enough in Super Rugby, then he'll get an opportunity I'd imagine like any other player.

"There's no accords, no guarantees and he doesn't want it that way. If he does come back he'll want to earn it himself.

"That's the quality of the man, that's what Ashley-Cooper's about."

Ashley-Cooper scored four tries at the 2015 World Cup in England, including a hat-trick in the semi-final against Argentina under Cheika. He also played the 2007 and 2011 tournaments.