Blackpool's Richard Gleeson is hopeful of England recognition this summer

The Blackpool fast bowler was one of seven Red Rose players named in the ECB’s 55-man training group ahead of the scheduled games with the Windies, Pakistan, Ireland and Australia over the summer.

The ECB’s request came on the back of helping Lancashire win promotion last year before a winter in Australia, firstly playing for Melbourne Renegades in the Big Bash and then with the England Lions.

It meant an initial return to training at Emirates Old Trafford to dispense with any rustiness brought about by the lockdown, stemming from the coronavirus pandemic.

“It’s good to get out of the house that’s for sure!” the 32-year-old said.

“It’s just nice to be active and be able to bowl again really.

“It was very nice to be asked obviously; it’s quite a big squad, 55 is a lot of players, but being in the Lions and other things, I knew I was up there and being thought of.

“It means you’re up right up there; if you aren’t in it, you aren’t in there for playing any international cricket.

“That’s the pinnacle and that's what I’m trying to achieve.”

Fifty-six wickets in 2019 helped to push Gleeson into a position where he can stake a claim for an international debut.

The packed schedule means the bowlers, in particular, look set to be rotated in order to allow them sufficient rest and recovery time.

However, with players including James Anderson, Stuart Broad, Jofra Archer, Mark Wood and Chris Woakes to choose from, it would seem that Gleeson is more likely to figure in the limited overs side rather than the Test arena.

Nevertheless, only five years after his first class debut, he’s just happy to be in the position where his name is being considered for an England spot.

He said: “I haven’t had that international experience but I’d like to think my performances have warranted me having an opportunity and getting a go.

“I’ve had a couple of chats with people over the winter on what I needed to do so you go away and work on those things.

“I’m hopeful, if an opportunity does arrive, I’m at the forefront of their thinking.”