Wilkinson plays down Lions talk

Toulon - Former England flyhalf Jonny Wilkinson has played down his chances of being selected by the British and Irish Lions for the upcoming tour of Australia, saying younger compatriots Owen Farrell and Toby Flood deserve their chance.

Wilkinson continues to impress for French club Toulon and his masterful display of kicking and defending in Sunday's 21-15 win over Leicester in the Heineken Cup quarter-finals led many to suggest he could do a job for the Lions in June.

However, the 33-year-old No 10 says "as far as I'm concerned, I'm like the guy in the armchair, wishing I could be on the Lions tour."

Wilkinson, the second-highest points scorer in Test history, wouldn't turn down a Lions call-up but says "it's now about the young guys taking the game forward."

The Lions squad will be announced on April 30.