By Bryn Palmer

Wilkinson was forced to miss the Lions' third Test in New Zealand

New Northampton fly-half Carlos Spencer believes Jonny Wilkinson can defy the critics who have written off the World Cup hero after his troubled Lions tour.

"If things are not going your way you tend to come in for criticism - I have been through that many a time," said the former All Black.

"In some ways it is a good thing. As players it makes us come back even stronger. It makes us fight.

"Jonny is young, he has a lot of years left. He'll be back, I have no doubt."

Wilkinson ended the Lions tour with another shoulder injury, sustained in the second Test mauling by New Zealand.

Wilkinson 'raring to go'

But Newcastle director of rugby Rob Andrew insists the fly-half will be fit for the start of the new season on 2 September.

Injuries permitting, Spencer will come face-to-face with Wilkinson when Saints meet Newcastle in their first home Premiership match on 17 September.

I hope he recovers from injury and gets back to his real self From WS Have your say on Scrum V

"He is obviously huge over here so it will be good to play against him," Spencer said. "That is what it is all about - pitting yourself against the best players.

"Hopefully Jonny can get his injuries right and get himself right to play again."

It was only last summer that Spencer was orchestrating two crushing defeats on a weary England side for the All Blacks and playing in the Tri-Nations.

Spencer set to spice up Saints

But despite only being 29, he insists - having made the move to England - his Test career is over after 35 caps.

"I have got no aspirations about playing for New Zealand again," he added. "By the time my contract runs out here in three years' time, I will be 33 - that is old!

"They have got Dan Carter there now and he has shown over the last few months that the jersey is in good shape. He is young as well and has got a few years ahead of him yet.