Vaughan's last Test was in Pakistan more than seven months ago

The 31-year-old batsman has not played for his country since a recurrence of his knee problems in India in February.

More surgery has ruled him out of the Ashes Test series but he aims to play in the limited-overs games that follow.

"It's going to be a long road but hopefully I'll be back playing cricket in the early part of 2007," he told BBC Sport at The Open golf tournament.

Interview: England captain Michael Vaughan

"It's been a tough year and I thought I'd got very close to playing again but it wasn't right and I had to have another operation.

"At least it looks like I'm on the upward slide and I can look forward to playing cricket again. It's going to be quite a hard rehab but I'm looking forward to getting back in 2007."

I have to look forward and try and play a part in the one-dayers and the World Cup in March Michael Vaughan

Vaughan led England to their first Ashes triumph for 18 years in 2005 but knee problems since have seen him miss Test series against India, Sri Lanka and Pakistan.

He is particularly disappointed at being denied the chance to captain the side in the return five-Test series with Australia, which begins in Brisbane on 23 November.

But the Yorkshire star says playing in the Twenty20 international against the Aussies on 9 January and the VB series - which also features New Zealand - will soften the blow to some extent.

"It's frustrating. With what happened last year I'd have loved the oppportunity to go down there and win the Ashes once again but that's not to be.

"I have to look forward and try and get fit for the early part of 2007, try and play a part in the one-dayers and also the World Cup in March."