ANDY Keast believes Worcester's players will relish facing Jonny Wilkinson at Sixways.

England's World Cup hero has been given the all-clear to play again following his shoulder and neck injuries and looks set to line up against Worcester in Newcastle's opening Premiership game of the season on September 4.

Rather than shying away from the challenge, however, Keast is confident that his boys will want to give Wilko a warm welcome back.

"It's obviously going to be a great challenge for our number 10 on the day," said Keast. "On the outside the players will be reserved but I'm sure they'll be very excited about taking on Jonny Wilkinson. He's a genuinely world class player and it's very good news for Newcastle that he's back."

Wilkinson has played just over 50 minutes of rugby for Newcastle as a result of the injuries sustained Down Under last November.

The 25-year-old said: "I did not realise how close I came to not playing again. Without doubt, one little injury has changed my life."