Sajid Mahmood has earmarked consistency as the key to a rapid return to the England side.

The Bolton-born Lancashire pace bowler has been out of the international arena for a year, with his last appearance coming during the 50-over World Cup last April.

He was a regular in the latter years of the Duncan Fletcher era, but has not been considered under new coach Peter Moores.

"You tend to get forgotten a little bit, but I don't think it's a bad thing sometimes," said Saj, who has taken 50 wickets in all forms of international cricket.

"To get out of that environment last year, and play county cricket for a little bit, I was able to concentrate on the things I need to do."

But he is now desperate to get back in and to do that he must perform for the Red Rose county.

"Obviously, my ambition is to get back in," he continued after taking three wickets in the current County Championship match against Somerset at Old Trafford, which was washed out yesterday. "But first and foremost I have to perform for Lancashire.

"The main thing is I have to be more consistent. I've been a little bit up and down - and I'm probably the first person to say that.

"I don't want to look too far ahead, but my main aim is to get back in there as quick as I can. I'm pretty confident in my ability - and I know I'll get back into that England side."

England currently have a great depth in their bowling resources, with Ryan Sidebottom, Stuart Broad, Matthew Hoggard, James Anderson, Steve Harmison and Andrew Flintoff all fighting to play New Zealand next month and it seems unlikely that the former Astley Bridge and Egerton star will be involved.