Wilkinson: Time is running out

Jonny Wilkinson today admitted time was running out as he battles to win a place on the British and Irish Lions tour to New Zealand this summer.

The England fly-half is trying to recover from his second knee injury this season and must prove to Sir Clive Woodward that he warrants a late call-up for the tour party.

"I am not sure yet whether I will be playing for Newcastle against Northampton on Friday," said Wilkinson. "I have a few things to check out. Time is running out."

Wilkinson, who has not played a Test since kicking the winning drop goal in the 2003 World Cup Final, was left out of the squad which was announced yesterday.

However, Lions head coach Woodward said he could still be added to the tour party if he made a successful return to club rugby this season.

"I am happy with where I am fitness-wise," said Wilkinson. "I am trying to be sensible and make good decisions. I have the opportunity so I have to make the most of it.

"It is something I have got to fight for. I have questions to answer in terms of fitness and performance.

"I have always had a lot of respect for Sir Clive Woodward and the way he has handled this with me only increases that; the fact that he has given me a chance and told me what he was thinking."

Newcastle have four more games this season in which Wilkinson can prove his fitness. The Lions leave for New Zealand after a warm-up game against Argentina at Cardiff 's Millennium Stadium on 23 May.

Lions captain Brian O'Driscoll is backing Wilkinson to make the trip. He said: "Hopefully he can prove his fitness and be added to the squad before long."