Wilkinson flies his club colours

Absent England star Jonny Wilkinson returned to action during Newcastle's 13-10 win over Edinburgh on Saturday, and promptly set his sights on hoisting the Heineken Cup, saying that 'it is the biggest goal I have left in rugby'.

The fly-half eased through his comeback game after eight weeks out nursing a bicep injury as Newcastle beat Edinburgh 13-10 at Murrayfield to maintain their unbeaten Pool Five record.

Wilkinson, who replaced an injured Dave Walder, kicked a penalty and converted wing Michael Stephenson's try before admitting he was "satisfied" with a performance that augers well for Newcastle and England.

Having spent the first eight months of this year recovering from career-threatening neck and shoulder trouble - he returned to action in mid-August - Wilkinson can now only hope for an injury-free run.

"I was more prepared to come back than I was last time," he said.

"It was the first pass I have taken and the first ball I have kicked for eight weeks, and I am satisfied how things went."

Newcastle face Saracens in the Powergen Cup sixth round next weekend, followed by Zurich Premiership appointments with Leeds and Sale Sharks, but Falcons' crucial Heineken Cup games against Perpignan and Newport Gwent Dragons in January are when he will be needed firing on all cylinders.

"The European Cup is the biggest thing you can do with a club - it is the biggest goal I have left in rugby," said Wilkinson.

"I was offended a couple of years ago when a media person asked me how I could do it for England, and not Newcastle. Rugby is all about winning with your friends and reaping the rewards.

"For me, there was no better feeling than winning the English cup competition with Newcastle at Twickenham. It was right up there with winning the World Cup final."

England coach Andy Robinson will be delighted that Wilkinson emerged unscathed as the countdown gathers pace towards the 2005 Six Nations opener against Wales in Cardiff on February 5.

"I am very pleased for Jonny," said Newcastle rugby director Rob Andrew.

"Overall, he had a good game, keeping us calm in the second-half, and his presence allowed the team to find a win."

The Falcons' fourth successive pool triumph opened up a seven-point gap on their nearest rivals Perpignan, but Newcastle's next European encounter is away against the 2003 tournament runners-up.