Alec Stewart insists Matt Prior can get his England place back as a wicketkeeper-batsman.

Stewart, who has joined Sussex's coaching staff on a part-time basis, says Prior should only consider giving up the gloves as a last resort.

Prior has hinted that he might concentrate on playing for England as a batsman if he cannot depose former Sussex team-mate Tim Ambrose.

The 26-year-old played in ten Tests last year but despite a batting average of 40.19 he was axed after some disappointing performances with the gloves against Sri Lanka during the winter.

Stewart, who is also Prior's manager, said: "I've set Matt a target of being on an England tour this winter but also told him to be ready to play for England again this summer.

"I've told him he could be good enough to play for England just as a batter but not to try and do that at the expense of throwing the gloves away.

"He could keep well for Sussex and score hundred after hundred but if Tim Ambrose is doing the same then Matt could be scoring enough runs to bat in England's top five and field at cover.

"But he is not going to give the gloves away because you need two strings to your bow."

Prior revealed that England coach Peter Moores has told him that he is still in the frame to win back his place behind the stumps.

He was one of three wicketkeepers named in a 26-man performance squad by Moores yesterday along with Sussex all-rounder Luke Wright.

Prior said: "It's great to be in the squad but it is not going to change much because first and foremost I have to perform for Sussex.

"I have spoken to Peter a couple of times and he definitely wants me to keep the wicketkeeping going.

"You can talk until you are blue in the face but it's performances that count. All I can do is catch everything and make hundreds for Sussex.

"I have started the season well and I'm really happy with my game at the moment but I also want to play for my country again."

Stewart, 45, has joined the Sussex coaching staff on a part-time basis and did his first session with the county's three wicketkeepers yesterday.

He said: "People will see me as a Surrey person which is not surprising after 23 years there but I see myself as a cricket person. I admired what Sussex were doing when I was still playing and when (coach) Mark Robinson asked me to come down and coach not just the keepers but the batsmen as well I had no hesitation.

"I just had to get used to having a Sussex badge on rather than a Surrey one but if I can make even a small difference then I will be happy and so, more importantly, will Sussex."