Former Test captain Graham Gooch anticipates Andrew Flintoff's international return will come at the expense of Paul Collingwood.

All-rounder Flintoff is in the 12-man party for the second match of the npower series at Headingley, which starts on Friday, and is expected to end a Test absence stretching back to January 2007.

England captain Michael Vaughan has said on more than one occasion this summer that he now views Flintoff, 30, as slotting back into the side as one of a four-man attack, most recently in the week leading up to the drawn Lord's contest.

That would mean the Lancastrian batting at seven and replacing one of England's current bowling unit.

However, that would place a huge burden both on Flintoff, who is fit again following a fourth ankle operation and side strain, as well as men who toiled for three days on a lifeless Lord's strip.

"He is a class cricketer and gives England something they haven't got, his return will lift the side," Gooch told Radio 5 Live.

"He's an iconic sort of cricketer and I believe Paul Collingwood will have to make way."

Although not a prolific wicket-taker, Flintoff, who needs three wickets to reach the 200-mark in Tests, has displayed a skill in dismissing the world's best batsmen when breakthroughs are required, most notably in the Ashes three years ago.

"He's a strike bowler and has penetration," Gooch added. "I think he will be back because on dead pitches and flat pitches he offers something different.

"I believe he will be in the side as one of five bowlers because they will want to use him as a shock bowler, in short spells.

"He has proved he is durable and has proved he can get overs under his belt and he is not going to break down.

"Playing five bowlers now will allow him to be let off the leash. He will be able to run in full bore for short spells, four or five overs at a time, and provide that sort of penetration England have been lacking."

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