Wilkinson hopeful of Six Nations return

England flyhalf Jonny Wilkinson has said he was hopeful of returning to action in time to play a part in this year's Six Nations, which kicks off on February 5.

Wilkinson has been ruled out of England's first two games against Wales and France after suffering knee ligament damage playing for his club Newcastle but said he was targeting their third game, against Ireland in Dublin on February 27.

"I would hope to be available for selection at that point," he said at the tournament's official launch in London on Wednesday.

"The injury is to my left leg so, as a kicker, I need to make sure I'm really right so that I can play my usual game."

Wilkinson, whose last contribution for England was to kick the winning drop goal in the 2003 World Cup final, said that he had not yet begun running.

He has been replaced as captain for the opening game by Jason Robinson, who also stood in during the November internationals, while Charlie Hodgson has taken over the flyhalf duties.

Despite his optimism, Wilkinson's chances of a return against Ireland, even if he has played a couple of games for Newcastle, look slim and a more realistic international return could be the June and July British Lions tour to New Zealand.