Key confident ahead of county season

'I think it's very important that overseas players bring something to the club off the field as well as on it' © Getty Images

Ahead of the start of the county season Robert Key, the Kent captain, has said he still has a role to play for England, while adding that his team's bowling attack could fire them to success.

"We have always been strong in our batting but now a lot of our young bowlers are threatening to step up. Amjad Khan especially is first class," Key told BBC Sport.

Martin Saggers, who has played three Tests for England, had a disappointing season in 2005 and struggled with injuries. Yet Key felt that even if Saggers's injury worries continued, it wouldn't hamper Kent's chances too much.

"The way our youngsters are shaping up in pre-season, I'd have to say it's looking good," he said. "In fact, as good as Martin [Saggers] is for us - and he is a massive player - it wouldn't be the end of the world if he wasn't always fit this term, that's how good I believe they are."

Key highlighted Khan, 25, who was born in Denmark, as a vital cog in Kent's attack who could also press for an England place

"His record isn't second to many as far as young bowlers go in this country and he is definitely the pick of our bowlers, and probably players. I expect big things from him," he said. "It really is about time people start talking about Amjad as a potential England bowler."

Kent have two South African allrounders on their books this season - the explosive Justin Kemp and Andrew Hall - and Key was keen to stress the important overseas players bring to a club.

"I think it's very important that overseas players bring something to the club off the field as well as on it and these two offer both in abundance," he said. "Obviously, they are two top allrounders - Justin probably more a batting allrounder and Andrew bowling - but their experience will be of huge benefit to us, especially in bringing on our youngsters.

"It is also vital, for our own pride but also for the good of the club finances, that we do well in one-day cricket this term and I believe, with Andrew and Justin with us, we have a squad capable of producing top performances in both forms."

Key, who last played for England against South Africa in 2005, still believes he has a role to play for England and cited his responsibility as captain as an important factor to improve his chances of reselection.

"I don't know yet how it will affect me personally, but I chose to take it on to enhance, not hamper, my career," he said. "I had to sit down and think about what I could do to improve my international chances and, so far in my career, every time I've been given extra responsibility or I've put pressure on myself, I've fronted up really well.

"So I'm hoping it'll improve my game, my thinking, and keep me focused throughout the campaign to produce my best and help those around me produce theirs," he said. "If I can do all that, I know I can make big scores at the very highest level so I just hope to get myself in the thoughts of the England selectors."