Jonny Wilkinson was today told he faces a race against time to be considered for the British and Irish Lions tour to South Africa next summer.

Wilkinson is about to undergo exploratory surgery to determine how well his dislocated knee has responded to treatment and is unlikely to be available for England in the Six Nations.

If England's 2003 World Cup winning outside-half cannot play Test rugby before the tour, he must use Newcastle's club games to convince Ian McGeechan, the Lions head coach, that he is fully fit.

McGeechan, who today confirmed England's Graham Rowntree as scrum coach for the tour, said: "We want everyone to leave with us and all of the players need to be match hardened because that is the only way each member of the tour party will have a chance of making the first test team.

"I haven't spoken to Jonny, but that is our thinking."

Meanwhile, Mike Catt today urged England team manager Martin Johnson to hand Delon Armitage a 'free role' when he plays in the Six Nations.

Armitage will be at full-back when Irish face Dax at Reading tonight in the European Challenge Cup but is likely to play in another position in Premiership games.

Catt, the Irish backs coach, said: "Chopping and changing Delon stops him from getting bored. It's vital and healthy to have competition for places."