Sussex fast bowler James Kirtley has been called into the England one-day squad.

Kirtley replaces Somerset's Richard Johnson who has been ruled out of the three-match NatWest Challenge against Pakistan because of a knee injury.

Kirtley, 28, was due to link-up with the squad in Cardiff on Saturday where England are playing a warm-up match against Wales.

Johnson was chosen ahead of Kirtley to make his Test debut against Zimbabwe last week and celebrated with six wickets in the first innings.

This is the latest setback for the 28-year-old who has a history of injury problems although England hope he will be available for the opening match in the NatWest Series against Zimbabwe at Trent Bridge on Tuesday week.

Dr Peter Gregory, England's chief medical officer, explained: "Richard's knee is swollen and sore and we have ruled him out of all cricket for the next week, but we are hopeful he will be able to return for the NatWest Series."

England open their short series against Pakistan at Old Trafford on Tuesday before the series concludes in London next weekend at The Oval on Friday and Lord's 48 hours later.

Kirtley will miss Sussex's National League game at Northampton tomorrow and next week's Twenty20 Cup ties against Surrey and Middlesex.

He played the last of his nine ODIs in Australia during the winter and with coach Duncan Fletcher pledging to rotate his seamers during the forthcoming series, Kirtley must be hopeful of getting another chance to impress next week.

Meanwhile Sussex team-mate Tony Cottey has missed out on the chance to face England in Cardiff today because of a troublesome back complaint.

New captain Michael Vaughan is demanding a high level of performance from England.

He said: "I know we're all looking ahead to 2007 and we're trying to peak then, but the guys have been selected because they're good enough to win games for England now.

"We're inexperienced and experience in one-day cricket especially is a key ingredient, but I do expect us to win games of cricket starting against Wales."