Vaughan Will Be Fit Despite Knee 'Niggle'

England captain Michael Vaughan is suffering a recurrence of knee trouble but remains on course to be named tomorrow in the squad to face South Africa in next week's first Test at Lord's.

Any reports of knee problems, for a player who has undergone four operations on the same joint, are bound to raise concerns.

But after Vaughan had to take time out to have treatment on a sore joint in his right leg during Yorkshire's eight-wicket LV County Championship Division One defeat at Headingley yesterday, initial reports allayed obvious fears.

Vaughan - who will disclose the nature of a series of "niggles" in due course - was seen to flex his knee occasionally during a fine innings of 72 and, instead of taking the field for the final session after tea, he had ice pack treatment on the injury.

But Yorkshire director of cricket Martyn Moxon is confident Vaughan's England availability will not be compromised.

"It is difficult for me to say too much, but Michael has a few aches and pains which he will speak about at the press conference [later this week]," said Moxon.

"His knee is a little bit sore. But there is no danger of him missing the Test match, and he will explain things more fully on Friday."

England have already decided Vaughan will not be allowed to play in Yorkshire's Friends Provident Trophy semi-final against Essex at Chelmsford on Saturday - when the hosts' Alastair Cook and Ravi Bopara will take part.

Moxon believes the England captain proved during his innings yesterday he is batting well, as he prepares to face South Africa.

"I think Michael is in great touch, and there is no reason to believe he will not make runs for England," he said.

Moxon also praised Durham's out-of-favour England fast bowler Steve Harmison for a 12-over stint that got rid of both Vaughan and Adam Lyth (80) and put Durham in complete control of the match.

"Harmison is always a threat and he proved to be so this morning by knocking our two main batsmen over," said the former Durham coach.

"It is always nice to have someone with that ability in the team. He leaked a few runs. But he was not too bothered, because he wanted wickets - and he got them.

"I think it is good that England have always got someone in their back pocket of his pace and bounce who can take wickets - and it is up to the selectors what they do."