Martin Johnson says England need Danny Cipriani back

By Gary Fitzgerald 6/07/2008

Danny Cipriani (Pic:Bigpicturesphoto.com)

Martin Johnson has given Danny Cipriani a timely confidence boost as the crocked Wasps starlet continues his rehabilitation.

The England chief told fly-half "Cips": "We need you back to your best".

By including Cipriani in the Saxons squad it means Johnson is able to keep a very close eye on the player's recovery from his career-threatening ankle injury.

He also wants to have a big say in when Cipriani will be able to return to action with either club or country - with the Wasps and England medical staff masterminding his progress.

Johnson sees the 20-year-old as critical in his team-building plans as he attempts to win back the world crown in New Zealand in 2011.

Cipriani is hoping to be back in action at the start of 2009 - in time for the Six Nations Championship.

Johnson said: "Danny is one of our bright lights. He's a talented player who, hopefully, has a good and long international future ahead of him.

"We need him back to his very best - the kind of form he was showing for Wasps and England before he damaged his ankle.

"It was a shame he had to miss out on New Zealand because that would have been valuable experience for him. But there's plenty of time for him to recover and bounce back from his setback.

"Danny has had a very serious injury which has really set him back a lot. Now he has to concentrate totally on getting himself fully fit and ready to play for Wasps again before he can think about England.

"But having him in the Saxons squad means we can see how he is progressing and gives us an idea of where he is in terms of fitness.

"There was no point picking him in the full training squad because he cannot play in any of the autumn games.

"But I can make five or six changes in January so there is room to bring players in if I feel it is necessary." Until Cipriani is match-fit, Johnson will throw the No10 jersey back to Jonny Wilkinson - a player he knows he can rely on and who knows how to make England a winning outfit.

Wilko was called up for the 32- strong EPS training squad, having missed the New Zealand tour through shoulder surgery.

The Newcastle Falcons ace is determined to prove a point in the four autumn Tests against New Zealand, Australia, South Africa and Pacific Islanders.

And Johnson insists that having Wilkinson around might also help teach some of the younger players a thing or two about how to conduct themselves on and off the field in the light of the alleged incidents in New Zealand.

He said: "Jonny will enjoy the new environment with all the competition for the No10 jersey. He will thrive on it because he loves a challenge.

"He is having a good break from things this summer and you can bet he will start next season very strongly and will be determined to show what he can still do.

"He sets very high standards and is a thorough professional in everything he does.

"He has won 70 caps and has so much valuable experience to share. It certainly won't harm the younger guys having someone like him around."