Wilkinson has received the green light after he missed training on Thursday.

He trained in Dublin on Friday though and has had no adverse reaction.

His fitness will be a huge relief for England head coach Brian Ashton, who yesterday lost wing Jason Robinson from his plans.

With Robinson sidelined due to a neck injury, Ashton drafted in 23-year-old Harlequins wing David Strettle for his Test debut.

Wilkinson's Newcastle colleague Toby Flood would have worn the number 10 shirt if the World Cup hero had been ruled out, but Wilkinson will now spearhead unbeaten Six Nations title contenders England's bid for a first victory over Ireland since 2003.

Ireland captain Brian ODriscoll and scrum-half Peter Stringer return to Eddie OSullivans line up after recovering from injuries which forced them to miss the defeat to France.

Ireland: Dempsey; Horgan, B O'Driscoll (capt), D'Arcy, Hickie; O'Gara, Stringer; Horan, R Best, Hayes, O'Callaghan, O'Connell, S Easterby, D Wallace, Leamy.
Replacements: Flannery, S Best, N Best, M O'Driscoll, Boss, P Wallace, Trimble.

England: Morgan; Lewsey, Tindall, Farrell, Strettle; Wilkinson, Ellis; Freshwater, Chuter, Vickery (capt), Deacon, Grewcock, Worsley, Lund, Corry.
Replacements: Mears, White, Palmer, Rees, Perry, Flood, Tait.