WARREN Hegg returned to lead Lancashire with a dislocated finger in Blackpool today , aiming for the win that would finally remove the threat of relegation.

Plucky Chuckie, who risked long-term damage to the finger after suffering the compound dislocation to secure an extra batting point in the Roses Match two weeks ago, resumed the captaincy for the Championship game against Somerset.

"It is not right yet, but as a wicketkeeper you get used to this sort of thing," said Hegg, who missed last weeks game against Sussex at Hove, when Stuart Law led Lancashire to a crucial win.

"I'll strap it up and take a few painkillers. It's such a massive game, both for us and for Somerset, that I had to play."

Lancashire moved 19 points ahead of Somerset, who are next to bottom of the First Division table, with their win at Hove, meaning another victory in Blackpool could virtually send the West Countrymen down.

"If we can manage to turn them over, it would certainly give us some extra breathing space and hopefully put us safe," added Hegg.

"The lads got a great win down at Sussex without me. I went to Wales for a couple of days but it wasn't much of a holiday because I spent most of my time watching the game on Ceefax, and then spoke to the lads on their way home on Sunday night. They were all very tired but we'll be ready for another big effort in Blackpool."

Lancashire received another boost with the news that Marcus Trescothick had been forced to scrap his plans to return after a month out with a broken thumb.

That leaves Somerset's England opener with a race against time to prove his fitness for Saturday's C&G Trophy final against Yorkshire at Lords, and the Fourth Test against India at the Oval the following week.

However, England pace bowler Andy Caddick has been released by the national squad and is in the Somerset line-up.

Lancashire were at full strength other than Kyle Hogg, who has rejoined the

England under-19 squad for their one-day series against India.