CRAIG Kieswetter is on the verge of returning for Somerset after breaking his thumb while keeping against Warwickshire in April.

And during his time on the sidelines, the 25-year-old England international has had plenty of time to take stock of his season and career.

Kieswetter said: “The break was clean but there was a slight nail issue which needed an operation to clear up which set me back a few more weeks than anticipated.

“Happily I’m almost ready to come back. I want to try to help contribute to the team in any way I can to help them put together a few consistent performances which are not far off.

“First and foremost I want to get back in the team and then put in some performances and help get a few results that will secure us that first division status for next season.”

Kieswetter re-iterated his desire to remain at the County Ground when he said: “Somerset has been home for me since I was 17 years old so I have spent a long time here. I have got a house and everything is settled.

“For me it’s a place where I love to play cricket and Somerset is a great club. It’s a fantastic facility to see developing and a place to perform as a cricketer and we have got some outstanding and loyal supporters.”

Looking further ahead Kieswetter has aspirations of captaining the Cidermen one day.

He said: “I’m hoping that maybe one day there could be a possibility of some sort of leadership capacity for me, but that is a bit further down the line because what is important for me is to put in some day in day out consistent performances.

“It would be a fantastic achievement for me and something I would be very proud of, but at the moment we have got a fantastic captain who can really push this club forward and I’m sure he will be out there in his wheelchair for a few years to come.”

Somerset are in YB40 action tomorrow (Friday) at Truro where they face the Unicorns before returning to host Leicestershire on Sunday, both games starting at 1.45pm.