MAL Loye is hopeful of returning to action for Lancashire next week in their crucial Championship clash with Kent at Old Trafford.

The right-hander has been out of action since suffering a slight tear in his Achilles against Warwickshire at the end of the last month, but has made good progress over the last couple of weeks.

Loye said: "The ankle is feeling pretty good at the moment. I'm hoping to be right to play next week, it's been really frustrating having to miss out on some matches especially with some of the pitches we've had to bat on."

The former Northants batsman is Lancashire's leading run scorer in the Championship with more than 800 runs, averaging more than 50. He has filled the number three position with real success since arriving at the club last season.

Lancashire need all their players fit and firing to have the best chance of avoiding relegation and a run hungry Mal Loye will be a huge boost.