Australia's Michael Clarke believes Steve Harmison could force his way back into the England side in time for this winter's Ashes series.

The Durham paceman last featured for his country against Australia at The Oval last August as England clinched a 2-1 series victory to regain the little urn.

However, he has since been overlooked by Andy Flower's regime who appear to have moved on in terms of selection policy.

Clarke, though, feels Harmison still has something to offer England and rates the 31-year-old as one of the toughest opponents he's ever faced in the international arena.

"When Steve's bowling well with his height, his bounce and the pace he bowls, he's as tough as anybody that I've had to face in Test cricket," Clarke stated.

"I've seen in the paper the other day he took a few wickets in county cricket and his form has been really good, so I think it would be great for the Ashes series if he gets another opportunity.

"I think he's obviously got experience in big matches, he's performed well against Australia in England and in Australia and he'll be tough if he comes out here.

"But for me right now we've got a little bit of cricket coming up before the Ashes. We are all looking forward to it (the Ashes), it's going to be a wonderful summer of cricket in all three forms of the game."