PETER Moores says Tom Smith’s performance in Lancashire’s friendly draw with Yorkshire this week has put the Chorley batsman right in the frame for the Red Rose’s clash with Kent next week - and admits that his selection headache is one of the toughest he has faced a as coach.

The 27-year-old hit 89 at Headingley to prove his fitness and pile on the pressure on the other batsmen ahead of the Second Division showdown at Emirates Old Trafford.

Moores said: “Tom showed again in the Yorkshire game what a good cricketer he is.

“He gets a bit on the ball and batted really nicely.

“The team against Worcestershire was the toughest side I’ve ever picked I think,” said former England coach Moores. “I don’t think we’ve ever left out Tom Smith in my time when he’s been fully fit during my time here.

“There are some tough decisions to be made, and it’s a good place to be. Me and Glen Chapple will now sit down and have a chat and start to decide the side we go in with. Between now and next Wednesday, we’re going to have to come up with 11 names.”

So strong is Lancashire’s squad this season, the Red Rose coach had to leave Smith and Stephen Moore out of the side for their opening match of the County Championship campaign against Worcestershire.

And in addition to Smith’s return to form, Moores has the pleasing problem of making room in the team for one of the best bowlers in the world for next week’s Kent clash as James Anderson is also available for two games ahead of the Test series with New Zealand.

“We’re really excited about Jimmy coming into the side,” added Moores.

“He’s been training with us for the last week and a half, he’s great to have around.

“Who we put him in for – that’s a different question. But he’ll play.

“There’s a lot of flexibility in our squad, and Ashwell Prince and Simon Katitch can pretty well bat anywhere, they’re two big hundred makers.

“Everybody knows there are some good players not in the team, which is a healthy thing for the squad. The key for everybody not in the side is to work very hard to try and get into it.”