DAVID WILSON will anchor England’s scrum for as long as possible against Ireland on Saturday, but admits he is unsure of what he can deliver at Twickenham.

A duel with Cian Healy, one of the game’s most accomplished looseheads, awaits a player who has been limited to just 47 minutes of club rugby in the last two months by a calf injury.

Wilson is being pressed into action after Dan Cole was ruled out of the remainder of the RBS 6 Nations because of a bulging disc in his neck that could end his season.

With Henry Thomas deemed unready to start a fixture of such magnitude, it falls to Wilson to complete as lengthy a shift as possible until being relieved by the untested rookie.

Head coach Stuart Lancaster admitted on Monday that England are ‘‘not in an ideal situation’’ and will be delighted if the Bath tighthead survives intact until the final quarter.

Wilson’s own outlook on what he can produce is shrouded in uncertainty and he promises only that he will empty the tank in what is a pivotal fixture in the Six Nations title race.

‘‘I think I’m ready to play on Saturday. I would have liked one more game to get my match fitness up, but that’s the way it goes,’’ Wilson said.

‘‘I’ve got no idea how long I can play for. As long as possible I guess – that’s what I’m aiming for. I want to do as well as I can for as long as I can.

‘‘Maybe 50 or 60 minutes. If I get through that and perform well, I’ll be reasonably happy. I’m obviously eager to make a big impact.’’