Yorkshire’s Jonathan Bairstow believes talk of a full call-up to the England squad is premature.

The wicket-keeper batsman’s comments come as he leaves Headingley to join the England Lions on a two-month tour of the West Indies.

His inclusion in the squad is the second time that the national selectors have come calling this winter, after he was also included in the Lions tour of Australia before Christmas.

That, coupled with his form for Yorkshire last season, has naturally brought comparisons to his late father David, who made 25 appearances for his country between 1979 and 1984.

Bairstow has played down his chances of moving up to the senior squad though.

“I am just taking it one step at a time regarding England,” said the youngster.

“I am not really someone who sets myself targets because you can either set them too high and not reach them, or too low and find yourself more interested in reaching a target than concentrating on your game.”

At only 21, Bairstow is one of the youngest members of the touring party, which also includes the Tykes trio of Andrew Gale, Adam Lyth and Bradford-born Adil Rashid.

After arriving in the Caribbean later tomorrow, the Lions will play seven first-class matches during their nine-week stay.

Bairstow admits this latest stage of his career is very important.

He said: “I think going to the West Indies will be invaluable to my development and hopefully I can play well and continue to improve.

“My aim is to perform for the Lions and then take some good form into the county season when I get back.”

Despite his modest assessment of his chances with England, there is no doubting Bairstow’s potential.

He was an ever-present in the County Championship last season, finishing with just 82 short of 1,000 runs.

The Lions’ first warm-up game of the tour starts against a combined team from St Kitts and Nevis on Friday.