Newcastle 30-29 Sale England's Corry dislocates elbow

The Newcastle boss backed his captain to reclaim the number 10 shirt in Cardiff after his winning try against Sale in his first start for 11 weeks.

"We knew it would take time and we have eased him back into action," he said.

"I have always felt that the three matches against Sale, Perpignan and Newport would be sufficient preparation for Jonny to play against Wales."

Wilkinson's next test is the Falcons' Heineken Cup date in the south-west of France next weekend before they complete their pool matches against the Dragons.

But Andrew believes there should be no debate over whether Wilkinson should reclaim his England jersey from Charlie Hodgson, whom he out-scored 20 points to 19 in Newcastle's 30-29 victory.

As long as I'm in charge of Newcastle he will always play 10 Newcastle boss Rob Andrew

"Charlie Hodgson is a very, very good player. Jonny Wilkinson is a great player, it's as simple as that," Andrew added.

"Jonny has hardly played any rugby for 12 months and I've been very surprised at some of the judgements some people have made given the length of time he's been out - some of those judgements have been way off the mark.

"You can't expect him to simply pick up where he left off in the World Cup. It's absurd to expect that."

I thought Wilkinson did brilliantly, stepping up his game when it was needed From Louisa Have your say on Scrum V

Andrew also dismissed the suggestion of playing Wilkinson at centre alongside Hodgson at fly-half.

"As long as I'm in charge of Newcastle he will always play 10," Andrew added.

"Jonny has had a terrible 12 months and he is only just starting back on the road to recovery.

"But maybe at the start of 2005 he is getting a little bit back for all the work he has put in over the last 12 months."