ENGLAND skipper Michael Vaughan is hoping Lancashire all-rounder Andrew Flintoff has a storming start to the season so he can return to the inter-national fold as soon as possible.

Flintoff was part of the Red Rose squad taking on Surrey at the Brit Oval today in the opening LV County Champ-ionship fixture of the summer as he continues his comeback from ankle surgery last autumn.

And he has plenty of opportunity to prove form, and primarily his fitness, ahead of the first Test against New Zealand, which begins next month.

"He has got three or four four-day games for Lancashire, so hopefully he will come through those with overs under his belt, runs by his name and give himself a good chance because we want him back," said Vaughan.

"An England side with Freddie in is a better team."

How Flintoff's left ankle holds up after four operations will clearly dictate whether he is ready for his much-craved international comeback, as the 33-year-old Vaughan is only too aware having overcome a career-threat-ening knee injury himself.

"He wants to be there," added Vaughan.

"He is the only one who knows what his ankle feels like.

"He hasn't bowled 18 to 20 overs in a day yet and had to go out and bowl five or six the next day yet, so hopefully he will get through that.

"We just want him right, whether that means he misses the first game, second game and comes back for the third.

"I just want him back fit and ready; whether it's first or third, that will do me."