Steven Finn said yesterday that a stern “talking to” from Michael Holding can help him claim a central role in England’s one-day international ranks.

Finn has targeted a strong showing in the upcoming limited overs series against Sri Lanka, to lay a marker for England hosting the 2017 Champions Trophy and 2019 World Cup.

West Indies great Holding told Finn to “relax a bit and just get the job done” in a post-play interview for Sky Sports during England’s drawn Test with Sri Lanka at Lord’s.

England open their five-match one-day international series against Sri Lanka at Trent Bridge on Tuesday, with Finn keen to hit full stride.

“To have someone who is a great of the game saying nice things about you, just pumping your tyres up a little bit, it’s a great feeling,” said Finn.

“I left that interview with a massive grin on my face because one of the best bowlers there has ever been thinks I’m a good bowler.

“That was my overriding thing from that interview, or that talking to, almost, from Michael Holding.

“If one of the greats of the game thinks I’m a good bowler, that’s awesome.”

Finn has openly admitted fighting for fluency with the ball at the start of the summer but feels he made headway at Lord’s, taking three for 59 in the first innings.

Where the 27-year-old revealed he spent parts of the second Test at Durham trying to “get into a fight” with batsmen to spark top form, now the Watford man is aiming for a more relaxed approach.

“I’ve actually not had that much opportunity through my career to talk to Michael Holding,” said Finn.

“That’s probably my own fault for not going and seeking him out.

“I know he’s enjoyed my style of bowling from what I’ve listened to on the TV.

“Yes I would go back and talk to him at some point, and it would be interesting to hear (his advice) as well.”