GRAEME Hick has put promotion to the first division of the County Championship as Worcestershire's top priority this season.

The New Road skipper also believes the County have a competitive squad capable of making a big impact in the one-day competitions.

His optimism is sparked by the arrival of four major signings in Ben Smith, Gareth Batty, Stephen Peters and Matt Mason.

Determined Hick said: "Our main objective is to go up in the Championship and then compete in the other one-day trophies. But first division cricket is obviously what every club wants to be part of.

"We got into the first division of the Norwich Union League last season and now we've got to stay there. That's the harder part.

"In Championship cricket last year we performed for a while, looked like we were in with a good shout and then fell away towards the end. This year we have got to keep our foot on the pedal for the whole six months."

Hick is impressed by the way the players have been responding to training and with their eagerness to succeed.

He said: "The atmosphere and effort put in over this pre-season has definitely been a reflection of the fact there is a lot of competition for places this year. That's not only from the younger players but across the board.

"There are younger players now trying to take older players positions and everyone wants to hang on to their place. So that's a very healthy situation at the moment.

"It's up to Tom Moody (Director of Cricket) and myself to make sure the dressing room stays nice and calm with it,"

Meanwhile, Worcestershire could be without last season's player-of-the-year Andy Bichel for a brief spell during the middle of the season if he is selected for Australia's three one-day matches against Pakistan on June 12, 15 and 19.

Pace ace Bichel was originally expected to miss the start of the new season, but is now available due to the cancellation of his country's tour of Zimbabwe.

Aussie pace bowler Stuart Clark had been lined up to cover during his absence, but was told recently that he was not now required.

Moody said: "Bichel could potentially be missing for two weeks. If that's the case we'll prepare for someone to fill his position."

Any replacement would be based on whether the side were playing on turning wickets or if key batsmen were injured.