STEVE Rhodes is backing Worcestershire County Cricket Club to shed last season's nearly-man tag and win promotion.

The veteran wicketkeeper sets out on his 19th season at New Road confident the County can build on last year.

They narrowly missed promotion in the County Championship, finished runners-up in the Norwich Union League and reached the semi-final and quarter-final in the Benson and Hedges Cup and Nat West Trophy respectively.

Rhodes senses fresh desire in the coming season under new captain Ben Smith.

"The lads are looking forward to the new season and I'm sure we will be hungry for success," said Rhodes.

"We have got together a very strong squad with a lot of depth and competition for places. If we do the basics right and the commitment is there, Worcestershire can be successful.

"I've played here a long time and success for the county means a lot to me and the supporters and hopefully if the squad continues to be competitive we can achieve that.

"Last season was slightly disappointing in a way but we still made progress from the previous season.

"If you think about it we were an almost team -- reaching semi and quarter-finals and also just missing out on promotion.

"But there were a lot of positive aspects about the way we played and we must take those onto the next stage and into crunch games.

"To gain promotion has to be the major target but also to improve one-day performances. We were excellent last year but didn't win a trophy so we will be looking for success there too."

Rhodes is excited about the arrival of South African duo Andrew Hall and Nantie Hayward plus Australian Mark Harrity who carries a British passport.

"Harrity has played on and off for South Australia for 10 years which is a fantastic achievement considering the depth of cricketing talent in Australia," said Rhodes.

"Hayward has got good pace, make no mistake, he's up there with the real quickies and hopefully he will frighten a few guys out for us.

"Hall is a very classy all-rounder. People have not seen the best of him because he's been up against the likes of Lance Klusener and Jacques Kallis but he's a quality bowler and batter."

Rhodes, still going strong at 38, faces competition for his place from James Pipe but that's just how he likes it.

"Competition for places is great - you need to be on your toes to keep playing at your best," he added.