Vaughan gives Hoggard and Harmison his backing ahead of new season @ Tuesday April 15

Michael Vaughan has backed Matthew Hoggard and Steve Harmison to "hit county cricket hard" in 2008.

The England captain presided over the country's 2-1 Test series comeback victory in New Zealand in March.

Yorkshire swing bowler Hoggard and Durham paceman Harmison missed out following the defeat in Hamilton, leading to questions over their futures in the game.

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But Vaughan said on Tuesday he has total faith in England's two former attacking spearheads, and has no doubt they will take their frustrations out on their opponents as the new domestic season gets underway.

"There's been a lot of talk about both of those guys," Vaughan told Sky Sports News. "I've been with Hoggy this week and he's desperate to start the season well for Yorkshire and get himself back into the England team.

"I was with Harmy last week and he's speaking in exactly the same way.

"I think it's wrong for people to rule those two out and to expect them to say 'that's the end of their careers' I expect them to fight to try and get a place back in the England team.

"The young guys came in and did very well in New Zealand. I'm sure the selectors will keep the same side because they have done in the past, but they'll be wanting Harmison and Hoggard to fight for their places and try and get themselves back into the team.

"I expect them to hit county cricket pretty hard and get plenty of wickets to give themselves a great chance of being selected.

"They've got too much talent, too much in their locker to throw it away."

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