There was another injury scare as Wilkinson returned last week

Wilkinson, who has not played an international since the World Cup final in 2003 following a spate of injuries, made his latest return last Friday.

He played 50 minutes at Northampton after overcoming medial knee ligament damage and was hopeful for the tour.

"I'll be there. I will fight and work as hard as I can," he told the Mail.

There was another fitness scare following Wilkinson's appearance as a replacement at Northampton.

I for one would not be at all surprised if O'Gara ended up being the Test fly-half From Pete Have your say on Scrum V

He suffered a neck injury as a result of a kick from England colleague Steve Thompson but said: "I will need to get it sorted out but it is just something that happens when you are getting used to things again.

"I took a bit of a hit on my head. Steve Thompson went to kick the ball in front of me and I went to grab it. He kicked it and also me."

Wilkinson has lined up a punishing schedule of fitness work as he strives to join up with the Lions, having been left out of the initial squad while he recuperates.

"Before I am even thinking what I have to do today I am already in my car on my way somewhere," he said.

"Sometimes I think it would be nice not to have pressure but rugby is not a choice I made, it is a way of life. The pressure, the competitiveness, it is me as a person."