LANCASHIRE could be set for an injury boost ahead of their crucial end of season Championship run-in.

The Red Rose side face a battle for survival in the First Division after slumping to eighth in the table after following their crushing loss to Surrey at Whitgift School. They are level with Sussex on 121 points but everything is very tight with any team from second down still not safe.

But at last there seems a glimmer of hope on the horizon for the squad with the long list of injuries slowly reducing. Although with the horrific run they have suffered this season no one had better get too excited just yet.

Stuart Law, Peter Martin and Mal Loye are all making good progress recovering form their respective injuries. The three are hopeful of making the important Championship with Kent at Old Trafford next week and Law may even be fit for the totesport League meeting with Glamorgan at Colwyn Bay on

Sunday.

Mal Loye injured his Achilles against Warwickshire, having been Lancashire's most consistent batsmen this summer, while Peter Martin has had a long-standing knee problem for most of the season.

Coach Mike Watkinson said: "Things are looking a bit better at the moment. All three of them are hoping to get back into action soon. Other than just their runs and wickets it is their experience we have missed and it will be good to have them back for these important matches."

If Law does return to action it would mean the end to Dinesh Mongia's time at Lancashire. He has performed brilliantly for the team, notching up two Championship centuries and a one-day ton. His left-arm spin has been very useful in the limited overs game and he's been very popular around the

dressing room.