Adelaide, Jan. 22 : Former Australian batsman Darren Lehmann has called for Andrew Symonds'' return to the Australian one-day side "as soon as possible" as the all-rounder prepares to make his comeback for Queensland.

Lehmann believes that the current squad has sorely "missed" the services of 33-year-old Symonds since he underwent surgery following the Boxing Day Test, particularly in the one-day format.

"We need Symonds'' experience and his explosive talent in the one-day format - they have missed him," The Age quoted the former Test batsman, as saying.

Lehmann believed the sooner Symonds is included in the national team, the better.

"It''s great to see him back in the mix. Hopefully he gets fit and ready to go so he can get back into that one-day side as soon as possible," he said.

"He knows what he has to do to get right. I have no doubt that he will make runs and he will be in form when he comes back for Australia - he''s a quality player." (ANI)