British and Irish Lions

The England fly-half, who toured with the Lions in 2001 and 2005, underwent shoulder surgery this summer but his club are confident that he will start the season on the pitch as opposed to the sidelines.

"The medical opinion is very strong that he will be fit for the Sale game," said Newcastle's director of rugby Steve Bates.

"Jonny is doing great. He has had a bit of contact work and he looks in tip-top condition."

Wilkinson carried the cartilage injury throughout the end of the 2007/08 season and, although he managed to play for his club until their campaign ended in April, he was forced to miss England's summer tour to New Zealand.

However, Bates believes the world's leading points scorer in Test-match rugby is on course to play an important role for club, country and, possibly, the Lions in 2008/09.

"Jonny is having a scan this week just to make sure that everything has healed up.

"He had as full a part in training on our recent trip to France as was appropriate at this time in his recovery."

Qantas Wallabies head coach Robbie Deans says Quade Cooper could still line up against the Lions despite missing out on his 25-man squad this morning.

The Waratahs upset the odds by beating Super Rugby leaders the Brumbies 28-22, but the game came at a huge cost to Qantas Wallabies coach Robbie Deans.

Lions skipper Sam Warburton says the lessons he and his Welsh colleagues learnt in Australia last summer will stand them in good stead for their return visit with Britain and Ireland's elite next month.