South African star Vernon Philander is keen to return as Kent’s overseas player next season because he feels his stint with the club will be “over too soon.”

The 28-year-old all-rounder made an explosive start to his Kent career, taking 4-8 on his debut in a Friends Life t20 defeat against Middlesex and went on to claim a further five wickets in his next six South Division games.

The game against Surrey at The Oval on Friday is set to be his final appearance before flying out to take part in the Caribbean t20 competition and he said: “It’s been a good stay, all-in-all, hopefully we can end it on a high.”

Philander said there would be “exciting times ahead” with some talented youngsters at the club and said: “I am keen to come back.

"It is in my plans to come back to England for the first two months of next season, hopefully it will be Kent again. I’ll certainly be keeping a close eye on how they get on after I’m gone.

“It’s always the way. It takes time to settle in and get to know your team-mates and then it’s suddenly time to go again. It’s over so soon.”