OPENING batsman Paul Pollard has put last season's injury nightmares behind him and is hoping to help Worcestershire complete a dream season.

So far his most valuable innings have been in the National League Division One, but the 31-year-old former Nottinghamshire left-hander is confident he can also play a major role in the County's bid to clinch promotion from the County Championship Second Division.

But one of the most important targets for Pollard is to try to steer clear of injuries, particularly after last year's painful first season at New Road.

Indeed, during the 1999 campaign his appearances were restricted because of a number of injury setbacks, including twice breaking his left index finger.

His highest score in any competition last year was 70 in a National League match against rivals Warwickshire -- a tally he has already eclipsed this term by hitting 89 in the recent 47-run National League win over Northamptonshire at New Road.

Nottinghamshire-born Pollard, however, has not entirely escaped injury this term with tendon trouble in his right wrist and forearm forcing him to miss his side's recent County Cham-pionship match against Sussex at Hove.

He said: "I was absolutely gutted to be injured so much last year. You come to a new club and you are trying your best and that was one of the reasons probably why I came back too early.

"You want to play and justify your signing. Obviously, I'm trying to put last season's injuries behind me. I've had a couple of niggles, but nothing too serious."

Although not yet hitting the high notes in the Championship, Pollard has often been a hit in one-day games.

An unbeaten half-century in the Benson & Hedges Cup clash with Glamorgan at New Road helped boost confidence and was followed by another half ton in the National League Division One game with Yorkshire at Headingley.

His 89 off the Northants attack was another major lift in a competition in which he has produced more than 3,000 runs, including 2,730 for Notts.

He said: "It's been going alright. The wickets haven't been great but we have batted hard and it was a good performance in our Championship match against Middlesex. We also played very well in the National League at Headingley because that was a poor wicket, but we stuck together as a team and I thought that was a fantastic win."

Pollard describes his form so far as "patchy", but like his team-mates has not been helped by the wet weather.

Pollard, though, is determined --injuries and weather permitting -- that he will make up for last year's frustrating spells on the sidelines.

"Obviously, as a batter you want to get 1,000 runs in the Championship and hopefully play a big part in that. We are going to miss Graeme Hick because of England, but there's certainly enough talent around. If we get all the guys fit and challenging for places then there's no reason why we can't win the Championship.

"Hopefully I can get some runs to help us win the National League as well. That would be nice."