James Tredwell says Kent’s senior players will need to step up this summer if the county are fulfil their ‘first goal’ of a return to top flight cricket.

Kent were relegated to Division 2 last season, with injuries and loss of form meaning their stuttering season also saw the club miss out on the later stages of the Friends Provident T20 and the Clydesdale Bank 40 competitions.

Now fresh from helping England to the quarter-finals of the World Cup on the sub-continent, Tredwell (pictured) said his county team-mates are keen on a speedy return to the top flight.

The 29-year-old spinner said: "Our first goal is to get straight back into Division 1 but it may be difficult depending on what team we are able to put out on the park.

"If we are going to do it then it is important that our senior players are able to find form and stay fit. I’m sure Rob Key would be the first to admit he wants to have a better season this year.

"And to have a fit Robbie Joseph on the park will be like having a new signing. Hopefully he can stay free of injury and his confidence will come back."

He added: "All players want to be in Division 1 and play against the cream of county cricket. There is a bit of a gap to the top teams now, we saw that the last time we went up but we’ll give it our best shot."

Will Kent get back into Division 1? Leave your comments below.