If he can come through it will be a bonus Woodward on Wilkinson Woodward denies England bias Lions call thrills veteran Back

Wilkinson was left out of the 44-man touring party announced by Sir Clive Woodward, but can be added if he shows fitness and form for Newcastle.

"Hopefully he can get a couple of games under his belt and prove his fitness," O'Driscoll told BBC Five Live.

"And I'm sure he'll be added to the squad before long."

O'Driscoll was backed by All Blacks coach Graham Henry who said Woodward clearly wanted the World Cup-winning star on board.

"Woodward's still given him a lifeline to be selected, if he proves his fitness and that's all that's required," Henry said.

"He's virtually in the team now if he can play the next six club games."

Henry, who coached the 2001 Lions in Australia, said he endorsed the selection of Irish centre O'Driscoll as the touring captain.

"I think he's the ideal person to be the captain of their side," he said.

"He's respected by players. He's respected by world rugby. He will do a great job."

Woodward stressed that Wilkinson, who has suffered a string of injury problems, remains very much in the frame.

It would be ridiculous picking a player who hasn't played for such a long time until we'd actually seen him play Sir Clive Woodward, Lions coach

"I think it would have been a mistake for me to put him in the tour party until I'd seen him play.

"He's hoping to play this weekend but if he doesn't, it doesn't matter. I just want to see him play a couple of games, and play well.

"We're going to a very intense environment and I need to know he's back to something like his best.

"It would be ridiculous picking a player who hasn't played for such a long time until we'd actually seen him play.

"If he can come through it will be a bonus but, if he doesn't, I'm delighted with the three 10s I'm picking."

Woodward reiterated that the three fly-halves in the squad - Stephen Jones, Charlie Hodgson and Ronan O'Gara - had all been informed of the Wilkinson situation.