World Cup winner Jonny Wilkinson hasn’t given up hope of making this summer’s Lions tour to South Africa.
The 29-year-old fly-half is currently recovering from yet another injury but he remains confident of being able to prove himself before Ian McGeechan’s men travel to the scene of their 1997 triumph in five months time.
“Time is maybe a little short, but I will enjoy that challenge and the journey towards the Lions tour,” said Wilkinson, who hasn’t played since dislocating his left knee on September 30.
"I couldn’t think of anything better, my whole life has been about getting the best out of myself.”
Wilkinson’s latest injury is just one of a number of setbacks he has suffered since making his Lions debut back in 2001 but, despite the seriousness of his current injury, the Newcastle Falcons play-maker is still hopeful of being fully fit prior to what would be his third successive Lions tour.
“I’m recovering pretty fast,” explained Wilkinson.
“I’ve got see a specialist for a few weeks and after that I will probably be back on the field pretty quickly.
“If I get there, that’s great, if it doesn’t happen, I will get the next one.”
The England international has admitted he has no chance of being back in action by the time England face Italy in their Six Nations opener on February 7 but he believes he will feature at some stage in the tournament.
Asked if he expected to play for Martin Johnson’s England in the Six Nations, Wilkinson told Sky Sports News, “Yes, definitely.
“I come back from the specialist the day before the Six Nations starts so I may have a bit of jet lag. There’s stuff to do, but I will not be too far off by then.
“When I come back from this injury I hope to be very active, then it’s about getting match fit. The onus is then on you and I enjoy that responsibility.”
