BRAD Hodge has assured Lancashire fans that he is the man to help bring the County Championship back to Old Trafford.

And the Australian batting star has set himself a 1,500-run target as he looks forward to a full season in 2007.

Hodge, who has signed a new two-year deal with Lancashire, is desperate to play as much cricket as he can.

In fact, he has even compared his hunger for the county game with that of legend Shane Warne.

"You look at Warney, he still wants to conquer county cricket with Hampshire - why would he carry on if not? That's what I want to do," said the former Leicestershire man.

"And I really do want to be that one person who makes a difference in helping Lancashire overcome that hurdle and win a title or two.

"I think that this is our time, and we will get it right sooner rather than later. We have got a great side together now.

Contribution

"I definitely want a full season next year where I can contribute 1,500 runs in the Championship."

Hodge has already spent two seasons in the north west, but family and international commitments have limited his appearances.

"I know it hasn't been the easiest two years as far as other things have been concerned, but I want to try my best to make up for lost time a little bit," he added.

"Last year was even more frustrating because, for a time, I didn't know whether I was coming or going.

"It would have been nice to stop on - we had a big chance to win a couple of things - and it certainly would have been good to play a Lord's final."

The Victorian star had to leave at the end of June because of an Australia A tournament and then picked up a neck injury that ruled him out for the season.

"I'm not sure how I did it, lifting my son or throwing a ball, but it sent shooting pains right down my body. It was absolute agony at times," Hodge added.

"It was eight to ten weeks of a job, and at one stage I had a consultation with the surgeon with a view to having surgery to remove the disk altogether.

"I reckon I have got a good five years left in me yet, and I hope that Lancashire can be a big part of that. I have this two-year contract and, at the moment, I would love to extend it."

Do you think Hodge will help Lancs to the title next season? Have your say.

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