Wilkinson upbeat over Lions chances

Jonny Wilkinson has vowed he will be fit to tour New Zealand with the British and Irish Lions this summer.

England’s World Cup hero has not been included in Clive Woodward’s original squad but will be added to the 44-man party if proving his well-being for Newcastle.

The 25-year-old came off the replacements’ bench at Northampton on Friday to play 50 minutes in the Falcons’ 23-22 Zurich Premiership defeat after overcoming medial knee ligament damage.

And Wilkinson is growing in confidence that he will win his race against time and travel with the Lions, telling the Daily Mail: “I’ll be there.”

He added: “Clive has given me something to prove. I am comfortable that I have to earn the right to be in the squad.

“I promise people I will fight and work as hard as I can. That is what makes me proud as a person.”

Wilkinson did, however, admit he picked up another niggling neck injury in his comeback match, but played down its seriousness.