Lions skipper Brian O'Driscoll today welcomed the news that Jonny Wilkinson will be fit enough to take his place in the touring squad and claimed that Wilkinson's fitness is a major boost for the entire group.
Wilkinson was included as the 45th member of the Lions squad last night after proving he had fully recovered from the knee ligament damage which threatened to wreck his dreams of a second Lions tour.
Lions coach Clive Woodward had omitted Wilkinson from the original squad but left the England fly-half the chance to prove his fitness - something he has now done.
And O'Driscoll, who played alongside Wilkinson in all three Tests of the 2001 Lions tour in Australia, was thrilled with the news. "It is fantastic, it's great to have him there," he said.
"Everyone knows about Jonny's capabilities, what he brings to a side and it is great to have him back in form and playing well. Touch wood he is over all his injuries and it is a big boost to the side."
"Mentally he is a tough player, his skill level is as high as you can get and he is the complete number 10. He controls things well, he is full of confidence and that is what you need."
"It's very exciting. He's an incredibly organised individual. He's got a clear idea of what he wants, he's very structured, he's a very confident guy. He is so good at what he does and he will strengthen the squad now we have four fantastic stand-offs," the Irish ace added.
