Five months ago Wilkinson underwent surgery on a trapped nerve in his shoulder, ruling him out of Englands RBS 6 Nations campaign and the disastrous summer tour to New Zealand and Australia.

Pound for pound, Wilkinson is one of the biggest hitters in world rugby and the 25-year-olds ferocious work in defence has taken an inevitable toll on his shoulder.

But having made a complete recovery following the operation, Newcastle director of rugby Andrew believes his proteges game will not be affected.

Jonnys fine. The medics were very happy with the operation and have been happy with his progress in rehabilitation since, he told BBC Radio Five Lives Sportsweek programme.

I never really feared he wouldnt play again but theres a risk with every operation that something may go wrong, even though its a common problem.

It wont affect the way he tackles - he cant suddenly change the way he plays and be different. If there is a big tackle to be made, he will make it.

He may need a little while to get his confidence back but thats what pre-season is about - making tackles and experiencing contact once again.

Wilkinson was sorely missed during the recent tour Down Under when England were thrashed over two Tests by the All Blacks and conceded a half-century of points during the World Cup final rematch with Australia.

But Andrew, who did not find the games easy viewing, was pleased Wilkinson avoided the trip as the World Cup winner will now start the new season with his batteries fully charged.

The tour was depressing. The defeats were always a possibility because so many of the World Cup squad were missing, but it was the manner of the defeats which was disappointing, he said.

Jonny not being there was a big thing because hes a big part of England now. Hell be there for the rebuilding process which is now needed. But from his point of view not going was good as it allowed him to have six months off.

If fit, Wilkinson is a certainty for the British Lions tour to New Zealand next summer and the Newcastle fly-half could be be joined by the likes of retired internationals Rob Howley and Martin Johnson.

Lions coach Sir Clive Woodward revealed 10 days ago that he would consider players even if they no longer turned out for their countries - and Andrew has backed that policy.

The Lions are very special. They are an institution and its a fascinating tour to go on, said Andrew, himself a former British Lion.

Clive will want to take the best players. Rob Howley and Martin Johnson were outstanding towards the end of last season.

They wont make a decision until January next year but it would be interesting to see who Clive takes. Im sure hed love to have Johnson on board.