JONNY Wilkinson has resumed light training after his kidney injury but is not expected to play again until February.

With England kicking off their Six Nations campaign against Scotland at Twickenham on February 3, Wilkinson can be ruled out of contention.

He suffered his latest injury during a sensational comeback in Newcastle's victory over Bristol on November 3, and forwards coach Peter Walton said yesterday: "He took himself away for a holiday and now he's in the gym doing some light training.

"He will be back. We haven't put a date on it but realistically it may be some time during the Six Nations.

"We'll get him back in the same sort of shape he was for the Bristol game, and he'll be flying again.

"Jonny is very positive, as always. He's in a great frame of mind and also fantastic condition, and he's looking forward to starting up again."

Walton has asked for more of the same from his pack tomorrow as Newcastle aim to pay back Montauban following their 16-10 defeat in France last weekend.

"We won enough ball but we didn't manage the game well enough," he said. "I thought our forwards dominated what was a very good Montauban pack, and that aspect of the game was pleasing.

"It was a good battle on a difficult pitch, although I thought they got away with a lot. Montauban were illegally stopping our drive and there was a lot of niggle going on away from the ball. In the Premiership teams wouldn't get away with that.

"Discipline is massive for us and I think the boys responded well in the face of huge provocation."

With sights still on the knockout stages despite two defeats from three outings, Walton said: "People have already written us off in this competition but the feeling within the club is totally the opposite.

"If we win two home games against French sides, then one away match in Italy, getting bonus points along the way, then we could even win the group if Brive lose to Montauban."

The Newcastle Development XV will play Otley at Percy Park on Monday (7.30) and on Friday, December 29, they will visit Wharfedale for an Ian Peel benefit match.