Melville believes Englands three autumn Test matches against Canada, Australia and South Africa have come too soon for the tighthead, who is continuing his recovery from a second major back operation.

Although 'Raging Bull Vickery was fit enough to resume active service for Gloucester against Stade Francais in the European Cup on Saturday he has admitted it will be at least two months before he is once again what he describes as the real deal.

Melville echoed Vickerys concern when he said: It will be a very close call, but I dont think hes firing on all cylinders yet.

Its not up to me but I think its a big jump.

You shouldnt go into internationals while managing a rehabilitation programme, and that is what hes doing at the moment.

Its not like hes facing a Test week at the moment in his preparation. Hes still doing a lot of rehab work.

Its a second operation on his back. People are talking the Lions and everything, but I dont want him to go rushing into something, although he is doing very well at the moment.