GRAEME Hick has set his sights on forcing his way back into the England squad for the 2003 World Cup finals in South Africa.

The Worcestershire captain has not figured in England's plans since the tour of Pakistan and Sri Lanka during the winter of 2000-2001.

But 35-year-old Hick, now in his 19th season at New Road, is looking to make an impressive start and force his name back into the minds of the selectors.

He said: "The World Cup is one of my personal goals and I am going to try to perform in the one-day games to put my name in the hat for that. I feel it is a realistic possibility. Playing in a World Cup is a huge thing to be part of.

"If I perform in the middle for Worcestershire I will have an opportunity. I think I am still good enough."

Hick believes he may reap the benefits of a rare winter off from the non-stop international schedule.

He said: "I've still got the hunger and feel very fit. The England guys are just coming back from a long winter and I don't know how much cricket they'll have to play before their international duties are up and running again.

"But, having rested and trained through the winter in preparation for now, I feel fresh and ready for things and I've got goals I still want to attain."