Lancashire's Tom Smith says he's more determined than ever to win back a regular place in the county's star-studded side.

The Chorley all-rounder is hopeful of playing a major role for the Red Rose outfit as they, once again, look to end their County Championship title drought.

Lancashire cruelly missed out last season, falling just 24 runs short of Surrey as they valiantly chased 489 on an agonising final day.

It was a desperately disappointing end for Lancashire as they searched for their first outright title since 1934.

But for Smith, there was even greater heartache as he was forced to watch the action unfold from The Oval's balcony.

His omission was synonymous of a 2007 campaign in which he played just a bit-part role.

After bursting onto the scene at Old Trafford a year earlier, making 15 first-class appearances for Lancashire and taking 35 wickets at an average little more than 30, it was believed Smith would cement a regular slot in the Red Rose ranks.

But, as is often the case, the former England U19 international's second season proved a stiffer challenge, with just six first-team games to his name.

However, competition could not be fiercer in a squad crammed with internationals, such as Andrew Flintoff and Saj Mahmood, and experienced names including Mal Loye, Dominic Cork and Glen Chapple.

"Last season, I maybe expected too much and I got a little bit ahead of myself," revealed Smith.

"But maybe now I'm back to where I know I can be, and I know what I must do to get into the team.

"It's not easy though - it's tough. There's a lot of world-class players knocking around, especially now we've got Flintoff back and guys like Saj and maybe Jimmy (Anderson).

"Sometimes, you just wonder where you are going to get a game.

"But you've got to keep pushing for a place. It's simple really. If you are playing well, you will get in the team, and if you're not, then you will get left out.

"People are always breathing down each other's necks."

With first-team places at a premium ahead of the new season, which starts next Wednesday at Surrey, Smith knows he must grab any opportunity with both hands.

But the former Parklands High School student has worked hard on his game during the winter to ensure he is ready to take his chance.

He added: "I've got to look at getting straight into the team early this season and setting a marker down. Hopefully, I can then kick on from there.

"I don't set any targets for games. Deep down, I would love to play in every game but I can't see that happening. I've just got to be ready for when the time comes.

"I would like to think I've improved over the winter. My batting has come on ten-fold and, hopefully, people will see a lot more of that this year.

"I've also tinkered on a few small things in my bowling. I've gone back more to how used to bowl in my first season."

Whether Smith gets picked for Lancashire will be a matter for cricket manager Mike Watkinson and new skipper Stuart Law.

The veteran Australian was unanimously handed the captaincy, following Mark Chilton's resingation at the end of last summer, and Smith has nothing but respect for a player that has helped develop his career.

He continued: "Stuey's a very experienced cricketer and it's great for us that he's captain. His record speaks for itself.

"He's got a lot of experience to pass on. When he speaks to you, you listen.

"When I'm in the first-team, I'm standing beside him in the slips all day, asking questions and probably driving him up the wall.

"But Stuey's been tremendous for me, and has really helped me during my time with Lancashire."