CHRIS Schofield today offered Lancashire another boost by revealing he wants to stay with the club.

The ex-England leg spinner's contract is up at the end of the season and there has been speculation that he wants a move after struggling for his place again this year.

But after hitting a crucial 77 to keep Lancashire on course for victory against Somerset in Blackpool yesterday, he said: "I think I'll be staying with Lancashire, and I'll be talking to Mike Watkinson in a couple of weeks."

Schofield is clearly relishing his new role as an all-rounder in the Lancashire team, a plan by Watkinson to boost his bowling confidence.

"It is good to be batting up the order and getting a chance to get a few runs, and I really enjoyed that," added the 23-year-old, who shared a partnership of 122 with his fellow left hander David Byas which batted Somerset out of the game.

Lancashire were in danger of squandering another devastating burst from Burnley youngster James Anderson, who had ripped out the last four Somerset wickets in nine balls to complete figures of 6-41.

That left Somerset all out for 140, earned Lancashire a first innings lead of 111 and gave him 39 wickets in his debut season.

But England paceman Andy Caddick then took two early wickets in the Lancashire reply as they slipped to 83-5 before Schofield joined Byas soon after lunch.

They then delighted another good holiday crowd with a wonderfully entertaining stand, although Schofield almost ran himself out before facing a ball.

Byas top edged one six into Stanley Park off Simon Francis but it was Schofield's hooked six off Caddick which brought the biggest cheer as the tall New Zealander stood in mid pitch and glared at the Lancashire youngster.

Byas seemed certain to reach a deserved first Lancashire century but he went 19 runs short, and Schofield also missed out by three on his previous career best.

But with Peter Martin having 39 to further frustrate the Somerset bowlers, Lancashire ended with 296 to extend their lead to a massive 407.

And Martin then trapped Somerset's Aussie captain Jamie Cox lbw to leave them with an even more daunting task today.