Lancashire's former overseas batting ace Mohammad Yousuf has backed Sajid Mahmood to regain his England place.

The Pakistan star left Old Trafford yesterday to play in a one-day series against India and Bangladesh.

He signed off after his five-week stint as a replacement for Australian Brad Hodge with a majestic unbeaten 205 in the County Championship match against Yorkshire at Headingley on Monday.

And he then admitted that he has been impressed with the quality of a number of Red Rose youngsters, including ex-Bolton League bowler Mahmood.

"Sajid has already played in the England team, he looks good again. He is a good prospect," said Yousuf, who also talked up Paul Horton's international credentials.

"He needs to keep on working hard, and keep fit. Hopefully he will then be able to come back for England. He is young, he is fit - and a very strong guy."

Mahmood, 26, last appeared in an England shirt during the 2007 World Cup in the Caribbean.

And the former Astley Bridge and Egerton man took 4-89 from 30 overs in the Roses game.

He was watched by England's national selector Geoff Miller, who was in Leeds on Friday to announce the one-day international squad for the forthcoming series against New Zealand.

Yousuf shared a record equalling third wicket stand of 258 with Horton, matching the best ever partnership for Lancashire against Yorkshire.

Horton, the club's 2007 player of the year, hit 152, which was his second four-day ton of the season, and his name is starting to be mentioned in international terms.

Yousuf continued: "I have seen him twice now. Once against Yorkshire and the other against Durham, when he also got a hundred. He batted really well here (against Yorkshire).

"If he can bat the whole season like this, then maybe he can show up in the England team at the end. He is a good player, a very good player.

"Steven Croft is also a very good young all-rounder. (Kyle) Hogg is a good all-rounder too. He needs some more pace to add to his swing bowling for him to get in the England team."

Lancashire face Nottinghamshire at Old Trafford on Friday, looking for a County Championship win ahead of the mid-season break for the Twenty20 Cup.

"They have some quality, they just need to get a few players back from injury. Then they will be a good team," added Yousuf.