Shane Williams hinted at his frustration at being snubbed for the first Lions Test against New Zealand, admitting he was "really disappointed" about being left out along with Wales team-mate Gavin Henson.

Sir Clive Woodward, who has been the target for criticism following the Lions' series whitewash against the All Blacks, left the in-form pair out of the side for the first match, while including out of sorts England World Cup winners Jason Robinson and Jonny Wilkinson.

And Welsh wing Williams, who performed brilliantly during the Six Nations last year, could not hide his resentment.

Upon his return to Britain, Williams was asked if he felt he was "not given as much of a chance as you might have been".

"Maybe. It depends how people look at that," he replied. "Obviously I was really disappointed to be left out of the first game, as was Gavin.

"But I got my chance in the second Test and I believe the tour went pretty good for myself."

Williams admitted the series humiliation was "the toughest tour I've been involved in".

Williams, who was left out of the first Test by Woodward before being called upon for the other two matches, said he was glad to be home as the Lions returned to Britain.

"It's good to be back, it's been a tough tour and it has taken it's toll," the Wales flyer admitted.

"But I enjoyed it, it was the experience of a lifetime and certainly the toughest tour I've been involved in with the toughest games of my career. You can only learn from that, it was a great experience which I will cherish forever."

Unsurprisingly, Williams chose to fend off criticism about the tour.

"We went out there with the right attitude, the right way to play rugby with a great squad, and at the end of the day it just did not come off on the field. We're very disappointed but no-one can take the blame for it," he told Sky Sports News after arriving at Heathrow Airport.

"I said before coming out here they (New Zealand) are the best team in the world, especially on their day when they perform like that, they have been almost untouchable. They have some great players and they take a lot to beat."