The Newcastle and England stand-off Jonny Wilkinson has no plans to curb his destructive tackling on return from injury, says his Falcons mentor Rob Andrew.

Five months ago Wilkinson underwent surgery on a trapped nerve in his shoulder, ruling him out of England's Six Nations campaign and the disastrous summer tour to New Zealand and Australia.

One of the biggest hitters in the game, the 25-year-old's formidable work in defence has taken its toll on his shoulder, but the Newcastle director of rugby believes his protege's game, following a complete recovery from the operation, will not be affected.

"Jonny's fine," Andrew told Radio Five Live. "The medics were very happy with the operation and his progress in rehabilitation since. I never really feared he wouldn't play again but there's a risk with every operation, even though it's a common problem.

"It won't affect the way he tackles: he can't suddenly change the way he plays. If there is a big tackle to be made, he will make it. He may need a little while to get his confidence back but that's what pre-season is about, making tackles and experiencing contact once again."

Wilkinson was sorely missed down under when England were humbled over two Tests by the All Blacks and conceded a half-century of points in the World Cup final rematch with Australia.

Nonetheless Andrew, who did not find the games easy viewing, was pleased Wilkinson avoided the trip as the World Cup winner will now start the new season fully rested. "The tour was depressing. The defeats were always a possibility because so many of the World Cup squad were missing but it was the manner of the defeats which was disappointing," he said.

"Jonny not being there was a big thing because he's a big part of England now. He'll be there for the rebuilding process which is now needed. But from his point of view not going was good as it allowed him to have six months off."

If fit, Wilkinson is a certainty for the Lions tour to New Zealand next summer and he could be joined by the likes of retired internationals Rob Howley, Martin Johnson and the former Scotland captain Bryan Redpath, who yesterday declared his availability for the tour.

The Lions coach Sir Clive Woodward has said he would consider players even if they no longer turned out for their countries, a policy Andrew supports. "Clive will want to take the best players," said the former Lion. "I'm sure he'd love to have Johnson on board."