NEIL FAIRBROTHER is hoping to make a shock Lancashire comeback in the Benson and Hedges Cup quarter final at Leicester next Wednesday.

The 38-year-old has missed the start of the season after suffering a frightening blood clot in his calf following a routine calf operation during the winter.

But he was given the all-clear to stop taking his blood-thinning tablets, and bat again, after a scan at the weekend.

"I couldn't afford to get hit by a cricket ball while I was taking the tablets," he explained.

Lancashire are not expected to throw Fairbrother straight into the Championship match against Sussex at Old Trafford starting tomorrow.

But he could come into contention for the National League game against Sussex on Sunday, and his wealth of one-day experience would be a huge boost as they aim for revenge for last year's quarter-final defeat at Leicester next week.

Andy Flintoff will also be available for that match but skipper Warren Hegg and cricket manager Mike Watkinson were today deciding who should replace Freddie in the Championship team as Lancashire aim to bounce back from their defeat at Surrey.

Flintoff replaced Mike Smethurst at the Oval because of his all-round ability but Chris Schofield and Tim Roberts could also come into contention for their first Championship appearance of the season.

Lancashire are also hoping that Peter Martin will be fit to return after missing the Surrey game with a back problem.