MATT Mason is confident he can still pick up more than 60 wickets this season, despite an injury-plagued start to the 2006 campaign.

The paceman recovered from a shoulder problem in time to play for Worcestershire in their Liverpool Victoria County Championship match against Surrey at The Brit Oval last week, but just seven overs into his opening spell, he pulled up with a hip flexor problem.

However, Mason is relieved the injury is not as bad as it could have been.

The burly Aussie is optimistic of being able to return to the team for the C&G Trophy clash with Northants at New Road on Sunday.

He said: "The injury is not too bad really, just a bit frustrating. I missed a little bit of cricket with a shoulder injury and when I'd managed to knock that on the head, I picked up a hip flexor injury. I can't get into a rhythm at the moment.

"I feel as though my bowling in the one-dayers has been good, but I just need to get into a rhythm by bowling all the time and that hasn't happened yet because of the injuries.

"There is a lot of cricket still to go this season and I'd still like to try and get over 60 wickets, which I feel I can do providing I don't get any more injuries.

"The shoulder problem was quite serious so it was good to get that out of the way -- this latest injury is just a bit of a hiccup.

"A hip flexor problem can be potentially a seven-week injury if you really damage it. I am treating it with rest and rehab with the physio at the moment.

"It feels good now though and it was touch and go whether to try it for this game (Glamorgan), but we thought it was best to be sensible and wait until the weekend."