SHOAIB Akhtar roared into Worcestershire and declared himself fit to spearhead the attack later this month.

The 29-year Pakistani Test star, dubbed the 'Rawalpindi Express', steamed into New Road ahead of schedule to prepare and acclimatise for his half-season stint with the County.

Shoaib was initially poised to make his debut on July 1, the day his contract commences, but the paceman could now make his bow in the County's Twenty20 clash with Warwickshire on June 22.

Concerns over injury and fitness have followed the often-controverisal Shoaib, especially when Pakistan overlooked him for their current tour to West Indies on claims that he was overweight.

But Shoaib, who enjoyed overseas stints for Durham in 2003 and 2004, insists he is lean, mean and eager to take wickets.

"I'm only here for the club. I'm not here to prove anything to no-one," admits Shoaib. "Everybody knows what I'm capable of.

"I'm fit and I made myself available for the West Indies tour. My objective right now is to promote the club and work hard to the best of my ability."

Despite holding the label as the world's fastest bowler, Shoaib is desperate to prove a successful servant at Worcestershire rather than be remembered for clocking up high speeds. He added: "I'm not having a race with no-one. I'm not really happy with that tag. It's great to know that I'm the fastest bowler in history ever, but I just like taking wickets. It's the most enjoyable thing.

"I would like to be a humble servant to this club and to be remembered as someone who came here and did well for the club.

"I'd played a couple of games here before and I really enjoyed the ground and the people. I think there's tremendous support for the club. It would be nice to do well."

Worcestershire's director of cricket Tom Moody was the driving force behind Shoaib's decision to join the club, although the pair will have little time to work together.

Moody leaves New Road in a fortnight to take up his coaching role with Sri Lanka. However, Shoaib is looking forward to teaming up with Steve Rhodes, who will step in as head coach.

"It's a shame Tom is leaving. He is the main reason why I came here.

"But I think Steve is going to do well. I've spoken to him and he seems like a gentleman."