Newcastle director of rugby Rob Andrew insists Jonny Wilkinson will have 'no problems' making the British Lions tour this summer despite having to be helped off the pitch at Headingley here on Sunday.

The 22-year-old English fly-half scored all his side's points in their 17-12 European Shield semi-final defeat by Harlequins but also suffered two heavy blows.

Andrew described the first as a 'kick to the head' which required lengthy treatment in the opening minutes of the match, while the second saw him replaced, clearly in agony.

"It is a cumulative thing which has occurred over the past three or four weeks," said Andrew.

"It started with a bang against London Irish and is like a whiplash injury and over the past three games he has constantly jarred his neck.

"Ironically, the one game where he hasn't had problems was the international against France but I guess that says something about the club game in England.

"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."

Andrew confirmed that his brilliant fly-half will play no part in his side's play-off campaign, even if they advance beyond Saturday's last eight clash with Bath at the Recreation Ground.

However, with Lions chief Graham Henry due to name his 37-man party for the trip to Australia on Wednesday, Wilkinson's latest injury woe is not the kind of news required.

Wilkinson has been patched up for most of the past 18 months, including England's tour of South Africa last year which he completed despite a niggling groin problem which eventually required an operation.

Some critics have suggested that the youngster has been put through too much physical punishment so early in his career and have questioned the number of games he has played for Newcastle.

However, Andrew insists his club is not to blame for the stand-off's problems.

"We all know how tough rugby is these days," he said.

"We do our best to look after Jonny and if you look at the statistics, I don't think he has played a huge number of games for us this season.

"It is the way he plays and the way the game is and because he is such a high-profile figure, everything gets blown up.

"Lots of players have groin operations but generally no-one is interested."