Wilkinson is on his sixth comeback since the 2003 World Cup

Wilkinson made his first appearance since November after coming on in the second half of the 32-21 win over Sale.

"I've really missed playing with Matt. He's been at the club a long time and I've not really had a chance to play properly with him," said Wilkinson.

"I really feel he could go on and really help my game."

Wilkinson, who has been repeatedly dogged by a host of injuries, made his sixth comeback since the 2003 World Cup on Sunday.

I was always going to get a few bumps but everything's held up well Jonny Wilkinson

"This time I'm just going to take it one game at a time and use the end of this season as a bit of a springboard," he said.

Since November, Wilkinson has undergone a hernia operation and "torn his groin on two or three occasions".

He added: "I feel a bit sore which is inevitably the case. I was always going to get a few bumps but everything's held up well."