GARY Keedy feels Andrew Flintoff's available for Lancashire is a major boon for the Red Rose county - as England maintain a softly-softly approach with their all-rounder talisman.

Flintoff was yesterday omitted from the MCC side that faces Sussex in the domestic season opener at Lord's next week.

England's selectors had made provision for Flintoff to face last year's county champions in the four-day game in his comeback from ankle surgery.

But Lancashire were concerned at the prospect of the all-rounder fulfilling that fixture just 10 days before this season's county championship curtain-raiser against Surrey.

Flintoff has already began bowling competitively - following a fourth operation on his left ankle - in Lancashire's pre-season ARCH Arabian Cricket Challenge in the United Arab Emirates last month.

And with England refusing to put a date on his international comeback, Flintoff will be allowed to step up his rehabilitation in Red Rose colours for the foreseeale future.

It could be that the 30-year-old Prestonian plays 23 days of cricket for Lancashire prior to England's first Test against New Zealand this summer.

But with the Three Lions on a high following their 2-1 Test series win against the Kiwis, and Matthew Hoggard and Steve Harmison re-doubling their efforts to get back into the England side, head coach Peter Moores may wait even longer on Flintoff's return.

As far as Keedy is concerned, the longer Flintoff strutts his stuff for the Old Trafford outfit, the better.

The experienced spinner believes his presence in the dressing room is a huge benefit, while his world-class quality on the field could help Lancashire rack up a few early wins.

"It's great having someone like Fred back, just with what he offers with his pure ability," said Keedy.

"Just having him around the dressing room is great.

"If we could have him around for a couple of months, that would be nice. Fred fits into our team quite nicely, just in the middle of the order.

"And from what he offers us as a cricketer, we will all benefit from that."

But Keedy insists Flintoff should be given enough time to feel his way back to his best - without having to worry about making a quick England comeback.

He added: "I'd like to see people let Freddie get on with his game.

"I think sometimes the expectations he's got of himself are going to be too high.

"You cannot fault him for that because he just wants to do well.

"But I want to see him just out there doing what he does well, which is enjoying his cricket and playing for Lancashire.

"Wherever he goes from there, I don't know. But hopefully he will have a few runs and wickets under his belt.

"I think there is too much expectation of him. When you get someone like Fred, people are desperate for him to do well. I'm included in that.

"It's because of what he's offered Lancashire and England teams over the years.

"Why would you not want someone like that to come back and start smacking the ball, and bowling at 90mph again?

"Fred is such a great player - and we want to see him back to his best."