Newcastle's Jonny Wilkinson looks certain to be fit for this summer's British Lions tour of Australia.

The inspirational England fly-half came off injured in the Falcons' 17-12 European shield defeat by Harlequins on Sunday.

Rob Andrew, Newcastle director of rugby, later revealed Wilkinson had been struggling in recent weeks with a neck injury.

He said: "It started with a bang against London Irish and over the past three games he has constantly jarred his neck.

"But there is no problem as far as the Lions are concerned.

"All he needs is three or four weeks without taking any hits and that is what he will get."

Lions coach Graham Henry is due to name his 37-man squad on Wednesday.