WORCESTERSHIRE'S director of cricket Steve Rhodes is backing Graeme Hick to bounce back from the disappointments of 2005 as he strives to earn another contract at the age of 40.

Former England batsman Hick will reach that milestone in June in what is his 23rd season of first team cricket with Worcestershire.

Hick, who is in his testimonial year, endured one of the leanest spells of his career last season with just 911 County Championship runs at an average of 35. But Rhodes is confident Hick can again be a major force.

"You see Sachin Tendulkar has struggled a bit recently, so you think crikey, it really does happen to everyone," said Rhodes.

"There are low points in everyone's career, and Graeme suffered last season. He has had low points in the past as well and a low run of scores -- but he has always come out of that with big runs.

"We always used to say to him 'Don't worry, Graeme, someone will pay for this' -- and inevitably somebody did.

"He has worked hard this winter on his game and and at the moment he is looking good, and I'm forecasting a good season for him.

"Graeme is in the latter years of his career and he is absolutely determined to make sure he maintains the run-scoring form we all know he can achieve."

As regards Hick's future, Rhodes said: "He's not said it is going to be his last year. It is the last year of his contract, but Graeme loves playing and loves scoring runs.

"If he does well enough to ensure another contract, and we really do see the value out of him, that will be great.

"But the ball is in Graeme's court. He knows he needs to score big runs, and no-one will be trying harder than he will."