Wilkinson has been acting as a water carrier for Newcastle

Wilkinson could play at Harlequins, the day after England face Italy and six days before they meet Scotland.

"The best thing I can do is to get fit and say, 'I am ready to go'," he said. "That's really as far as I can go.

"It's out of my control but all I want to do is make sure that I can play one of the games."

The World Cup-winning fly-half has already been sidelined for six weeks with a knee injury, his latest setback after a brief return from long-term neck and arm injuries.

It's been a frustrating time but thankfully that time is nearly at an end Jonny Wilkinson

"I very glad that with both Newcastle and England, I have people looking after me who are very selfless about it.

"I know that whatever happens the right decision will be made and the pressure won't be on me to make it."

Newcastle director of rugby Rob Andrew has said it would be "ridiculous and irresponsible" to draft Wilkinson straight back into Test action.

"Physically I'm more or less back to normal and I've been in training without contact for a long time now," Wilkinson added.

"I've been kicking for a week or so too but the next few weeks are an important period for me."

We are in touch with England and they are relaxed about it Newcastle coach Rob Andrew

Andrew has hinted he will probably ease Wilkinson back into action from the bench, although says it is only "touch and go" if he plays at Quins.

If so, he is likely to then build up his match fitness in a home Premiership match against Bath on 27 March.

The Falcons have a Heineken Cup quarter-final against Stade Francais in Paris on 2 April - a match Wilkinson describes as "the biggest in Newcastle's history".

"It makes the rehabilitation more exciting," he added. "I've never been beyond the group stage in Europe before.

Wilkinson offered Lions hope

"It's been a frustrating time for me but thankfully that time is nearly at an end."

Wilkinson has not played for England since the World Cup final in November 2003, since when the stuttering world champions have lost nine of their 14 matches.

He is still hoping to make the Lions tour to New Zealand this summer, with coach Sir Clive Woodward likely to include him regardless of whether he plays for England before then.