Former England skipper Martin Corry believes Jonny Wilkinson is ready to return.
Six Nations, England v Scotland, Twickenham, Saturday February 3, KO 4pm
Former England skipper Martin Corry believes Jonny Wilkinson is ready to return from his injury nightmare to play for his country again.
Wilkinson has not pulled on the white shirt of England since kicking that crucial World Cup-winning drop-goal against Australia in 2003.
After a catalogue of injury problems, Wilkinson returned from his latest setback - a lacerated kidney - to play 40 minutes for Newcastle Falcons on Saturday.
Corry was captaining the Leicester side which inflicted a 39-5 defeat on Wilkinson's men, but he was impressed enough to believe the fly-half is ready to finally play for England again.
Wilkinson has said he does not expect to be involved in Brian Ashton's first Six Nations game as England coach against Scotland on Saturday, but Corry believes he is ready to return.
"Jonny's looking sharp and really keen," said Corry.
"As an England player, as an England supporter, you want as many world-class players in the squad as possible and that's what Wilko is.
"He's desperate to play and, if he's there against Scotland, it's because he's ready and has performed.
"The important thing is not to look just at game time but to look at what he's doing in training as well. And he's looking really sharp."
Scotland visit Twickenham on Saturday in their Six Nations curtain raiser, and 27-year-old Wilkinson would love to be involved if Ashton thinks he is ready to return for England.
