Thursday, October 5 2006 15:55 Hrs (IST) - World Time -

London: Injured England captain Michael Vaughan said he was hopeful of being fit to play a part in the Ashes series this winter.

The 31-year-old guided England to victory over Australia in 2005 but has not played Test cricket this year due to a knee injury.

He has begun running again and there has been talk he could play in the final two Tests as England look to retain the little urn.

"Everything would have to go perfectly between now and then but in my mind there is a small window of opportunity," Vaughan told the Daily Mail.

"I would have to make runs in Perth and, of course, I would have to stay fit," he said.

"It would also depend on the state of the series and how the England management are thinking. But it is definitely what I'm aiming for and definitely a target."

Vaughan is currently taking part in golf's Dunhill Links Championship in Scotland as a 'mental break' from his recovery programme.