WORCESTERSHIRE have revealed that Tom Moody would be "free to leave" New Road if he was offered an international coaching job.

Chief executive Mark Newton, responding to fresh quotes from the Australian regarding his international coaching ambitions, said the club would not stand in Moody's way if a Test nation came calling.

The County's director of cricket has made no secret of his desire to coach on the international stage and Newton admitted there is a release clause in Moody's contract which expires at the end of the season.

"We would never stand in his way if an international chance came up," said Newton. "I am a firm believer that you only want people who want to be working with you.

"We've always been very open about it because I can't see the point in trying to tie somebody down who doesn't want to be there.

"There is a clause in his current deal and he would be free to leave if an international opportunity came up. Tom's made no secret of his ambitions but you wouldn't want it any other way. We want ambitious people. Tom is contracted until the end of this season and we've said that we'll sit down in the near future and talk about an extension."

Moody, who has recently been linked to the South African post, is watching the England and Australia situation with great interest.

England chief Duncan Fletcher has a rolling contract with the ECB but many believe the forthcoming Ashes series could be his last in charge of England.

"It would be a great challenge to have," Moody said. "Duncan is obviously in the position at the moment and has done an outstanding job over the last five years.

"You strive for the top and the England job, like any other international coaching job, is the top," added Moody.

"The whole English cricket set-up has developed enormously over the last three to five years and England's in a very strong position so it would be a very attractive challenge."