UPDATE 1-Rugby-England flyhalf Wilkinson out for five months

(adds more quotes, details, background)

LONDON, Oct 10 (Reuters) - England flyhalf Jonny Wilkinson is unlikely to play in next year's Six Nations Championship after being told he would not be fit for five months.

"I saw my knee specialist (on Thursday) .... and he confirmed the recovery time for my left knee is likely to be five months," Wilkinson wrote in The Times on Friday.

"It is no secret that this does not augur well for my hopes for England or the (British and Irish) Lions later in the summer but .... I will not rule anything out. If it doesn't happen, it doesn't happen, but it will have been worth striving for."

The World Cup winner suffered a dislocated left kneecap in Newcastle Falcons' defeat by Gloucester 10 days ago.

He had an operation a week ago and said on Friday he would probably not play until early March. He will need more surgery later this year to see if the first operation was successful.

However, Wilkinson denied any suggestion his career might be over.

"Forget it. It's not a consideration," the 29-year-old wrote in his column for The Times.

Although he has refused to write off his England chances, the final round of Six Nations matches is on March 21 and he would have precious little time to regain match fitness.  Continued...