Rashid goes into today's England Lions' match against New Zealand at the Rose Bowl with many tipping him for a Test call-up in the not too distant future.

Gough said this summer's Tests against New Zealand and South Africa would be too soon for the promising 20-year-old and added there was little point in him going on the shortened tour of India in the autumn.

But the former England fast bowler insisted Rashid could gain useful experience if chosen for the longer tour to the West Indies in the early part of next year, even were his principal duty that of drinks waiter.

"I think he's better off playing for Yorkshire at the moment and I don't think there's any point in him going to India later this year," said Gough. "There's only two Tests out there, so is he going to play?

"But there's a chance of him going to the Caribbean, perhaps, for a longer trip in the second half of the winter, and it could be good for him to be around the team and get a taste of what international cricket is all about.

"Adil Rashid will play for England one day, there's no doubt about that, but he's a long way off the finished article.

"He's only young, he's got a lot of hard work to do, and, before he gets picked for England, he needs to start getting 50, 60, 70 wickets a year."

Gough said he was trying his utmost to nurture Rashid, who has made a stunning impact since his first-class debut in 2006.

He has moved him up the batting order to No 6 – ahead of wicketkeeper Gerard Brophy – and given him more opportunities in the one-day game.

"Adil's batting is coming on and we're trying to push him in that respect," said Gough.

"People need to look after him and encourage him, and I definitely see that as an important part of my job.

"He won't play every one-day game for Yorkshire, but we want to give him more chances in one-day cricket. It's all about making sure we look after him properly and manage his workload.

"You only have to look at what happened in the recent County Championship match against Notts to see that he needs careful handling.

"Adil wasn't at his best whereas Notts had Graeme Swann, who's an international bowler, and you could see the difference.

"Swann was more consistent and put the ball in the right areas. Once Adil does that on a consistent basis, he'll get picked for the full England squad."

Rashid is part of a 12-man Lions' squad that also includes Yorkshire pace bowler Matthew Hoggard, who is hoping to win a recall for next week's opening Test against New Zealand at Lord's, and former Yorkshire pace bowler Steve Kirby, whose career has blossomed since his move to Gloucestershire.