The 27-year-old Ospreys speedster has been in great form with five tries to his name already this season and is one of the first names on Booth’s team sheet.
Since joining the region in 2016, Giles has made quite the impression with 32 tries in 85 appearances. With a return to form this campaign there have been calls for Warren Gatland to call-up the Waunarlwydd product to the Welsh national team.
Giles, who made six appearances for the Welsh under-20s had been part of the senior squad in 2017 for summer tests against Tonga and Samoa but was not selected.
But with Louis Rees-Zammit and Liam Williams unavailable, injuries to Scarlets Tom Rogers and veteran regional teammate Alex Cuthbert only just returning to fitness there may be a chance to stake a claim once more in the international fold.
Wales currently have Dragons Rio Dyer and Josh Adams in the starting shirts, whilst Cardiff teammate Mason Grady is an option having spent this campaign positioned wide for his region.
With a break in play from the Six Nations this weekend before Wales host Ireland in Cardiff next Saturday, URC action resumes with the Ospreys looking to cause a shock at home to fifth-placed Ulster.
The Irish province will be strengthened with returning international squad members to the clash at the Swansea.com Stadium and will no doubt provide another physical test for the Welsh region.
The game though in front of the watchful eyes of Gatland’s scouting network will be a prime occasion to remind selectors of Giles and other Ospreys talents ahead of the rest of the international campaign.
Booth feels that even though there is competition, Giles as well as veteran prop Tom Botha have a chance to break into Gatland’s thinking.
“I’m a massive Keelan [Giles] fan, he is really important to us. He contributes to our leadership groups and is a very mature young man who speaks very well.
“You need people that can have influence on the game. Keelan’s ball in hand is very potent and as we know he is very good in attack and defence.
“He is part of that core group of players that were building the new Ospreys around.
“We are pleased that he is staying in Wales which means he has a chance to play for Wales but there is a lot of competition for places.
“We will put him in positions where we can influence games and from there you never know.
Another player mooted for a call-up is 33-year-old South African Botha, who like Giles has signed fresh terms at the region in the last few days. Now eligible under residency rules Botha an unsung hero of Booth’s side this season could add invaluable experienced into a youthful squad.
“There’s a number of good re-signings that we have got which is very pleasing. Having an influence in key positions is important and those two players do that.
“We are pleased with Tommy, and he has improved immeasurably in my time here.
“I think he’s added different aspects to his game and has always been a very diligent professional. He’s added influence outside of the set piece now and from that point of view, it is really pleasing for us.
“Tommy Botha set piece wise is great scrummager. In certain situations, set piece can win you the games. Just think about the Cardiff game for example on New Year’s Day.
“Our guys want to play to the best level they can and all they can do is put in good performances. If they are the right fit, they will get picked [for Wales], If not they won’t.”
