England's new chief selector Geoff Miller insists Andrew Flintoff will be given all the time he needs to complete his rehabilitation from ankle surgery.

The 30-year-old Lancashire all-rounder is recovering from a fourth operation and is not expected to make his return to international duty until the summer.

"He's been very happy with his last operation," Miller told BBC Radio 5 Live's Sportsweek. "He's coming through extremely well with his rehab but we won't rush into anything. He's too vital a position to rush it and for it to go wrong again."

Miller added: "He's keen to get back and we're keen to have him back. When it's right on both sides, we'll look at it."

Miller, who will travel with the England squad to New Zealand for next month's one-day series, heads a four-man selection committee that also comprises head coach Peter Moores and part-timers Ashley Giles and James Whitaker.

And the former Derbyshire spinner says he will have the final say on selection issues.

"If it came to a 2-2 (tie), the decision would be mine but hopefully it won't come down to that," he said.

"I think basically we've got the same kind of minds."

Miller, who has taken over from David Graveney, believes the future is bright for English cricket.

"We're in a bit of a transition," he added. "We've got some quality players in the side and some exciting youngsters coming through."