Tait is poised to make a swift transition to Test rugby

The centre is set for his first cap in the Six Nations opener against Wales.

"He is a player who has immense self-confidence," said Wilkinson. "But he is humble, he works hard, and has a kind of explosive, unknown quality.

"He can do something quite incredible that leaves the rest of the team staring in disbelief."

Wilkinson was the last 18-year-old to play for England, making his debut as a replacement against Ireland in 1998.

I would have no concerns at all about playing him England coach Andy Robinson

Tait, who could have Newcastle team-mate Jamie Noon alongside him in midfield, turns 19 the day after the Cardiff encounter.

"I never understood the concept of people saying 'I saw him when he was 17, and knew he would be big' until I saw Mathew," Wilkinson said.

"I looked at him and thought 'he is going to be a special player'. (Newcastle director of rugby) Rob Andrew thought the same, so did (Falcons fitness coach) Steve Black.

"It is great, because I also get to be part of his every-day development. I know him well, I train with him a lot and talk to him quite a bit, making sure he is comfortable and happy."

Tait and Noon are two of several candidates for England's centre spots, with Olly Barkley and Ollie Smith also in contention.

Andy Hazell could start in Cardiff

Coach Andy Robinson is due to name a party of 30 for training next week ahead of the Wales game, with his 22 finalised on Monday.

Robinson told BBC Sport he would have "no concerns at all" about pitching Tait in for his debut in Cardiff.

"It depends on the player and the leadership you have in the side," he said of his selection dilemma.

"It always helps to bring a player through when you have sound foundations but there is also an element of intuition."

Robinson is considering Gloucester open-side flanker Andy Hazell for a starting spot against Wales, with Lewis Moody at blind-side and Joe Worsley at number eight in Martin Corry's absence.

Wales duo out of Cardiff clash

"Players like Lewis Moody and Richard Hill are outstanding 'sevens' who wouldn't necessarily play at number seven every week," Robinson added.

"Sometimes it is best to have that seven who plays there every week."

He scores lots of tries and is explosive - just what our back line needs at the moment From TW Have your say on Scrum V

Robinson believes the absence of Colin Charvis and Martyn Williams from the Wales back row could actually hinder England.

"In some respects it is going to help them because it could allow them to play someone we don't know too much about," Robinson added.

"That player will be relishing the opportunity to perform and get in our faces without any real pressure on them."