Jonny gives his boots a polish - he's back

England Captain Jonny Wilkinson was set to make his long-awaited return from injury in his club Newcastle's European Cup rugby tie with Edinburgh this morning.

Wilkinson, who has not played since injuring his bicep in a league match in mid-October, was named in the Newcastle Falcons side on Friday - as a bench warmer but he was expected to run on. "He came through training, so there's every chance he'll feature," said Newcastle director of rugby Rob Andrew.

Wilkinson's injury kept him out of England's three autumn internationals. He was replaced by Charlie Hodgson and the captaincy went to fullback Jason Robinson.

The 25-year-old has not played for his country since the 2003 World Cup final - where his drop goal clinched the trophy in a 20-17 victory over Australia. He spent the first half of this year recovering from surgery for a long-standing neck and shoulder problem.