Sydney, Feb 3 (IANS): Australian head coach Darren Lehmann said Tuesday he is "sick" of hearing about the speculation around regular skipper Michael Clarke’s fitness and captaincy.

Lehmann insisted that the injured skipper is recovering ahead of his scheduled comeback and was hopeful he would make a come-back in the side before the Feb 21 deadline given to him.

"I'm sick of it," Lehmann was quoted as saying by ESPNcricinfo.

"I'm looking forward to him coming back. He played grade cricket on the weekend which is great, he's playing up here Thursday so I'll get to have a look at him."

"I had a good chat to him and he pulled up really well from the grade game. He's ahead of schedule and I think he's said that in the press as well. Fingers crossed he might be."

Asked if Clarke would have his and the team's supports, Lehmann assured that he would be provided whole-hearted acceptance.

"Always. He's captain of Australia, the second most important position behind the prime minister as such, we need our captain playing well."