VICE-captain Steve Rhodes believes Graeme Hick could hold the key to Worcestershire's fortunes in tomorrow's Cheltenham & Gloucester Trophy semi-final clash with Lancashire at New Road.

Hick has only recently returned to action after a lengthy lay-off due to a broken bone in his hand and is relishing the chance to slot back into the high scoring groove.

Since his comeback the New Road master batsman has failed to hit the heights -- but Rhodes believes that could all change tomorrow.

The long-serving County wicketkeeper said: "In Hicky we've got a guy in our batting line-up that they would fear. Others have done well and taken charge but you do miss him.

"It's not only his prowess as a batsman but just having him alongside you when you go out there -- and the fear factor from the opposition as well.

"When they see a side without Graeme Hick they are bloody grateful so to have him back with us for the semi-final is tremendous.

"But there are other guys Lancashire will be aware of as well such as Vikram Solanki whose form in the one-dayers for England was great. While they have got a very strong team, so have we."

Rhodes, a key figure when the County lifted countless trophies in the late 1980s and early 1990s, has taken part in some unforgettable one-day battles with Lancashire down the years and is anticipating another tight contest tomorrow.

He said: "The best two teams are meeting in the semi-final, ourselves and Lancashire, and we are certainly looking forward to the challenge.

"If we play as well as we can then I am sure we've got the fire-power and the drive to win the match.

"We've not played Lancashire recently in one-day cricket but over the years when we have met them we have managed to win quite a lot of games.

"There are still guys in their changing room like Warren Hegg, Peter Martin and Glen Chapple who also know what we are capable of."