LANCASHIRE'S bowling attack may look less potent without mercurial Muttiah Muralitharan unleashing his bagful of doosras.

But while the Sri Lankan wizard weaves his magic away from Old Trafford this year, it paves the way for Gary Keedy to assume the team's senior spinning role.

It is a position the gritty Yorkshireman wants nothing more after been forced down the pecking order - twice in the last three seasons - by the world's leading Test wicket-taker.

The left-armer - selected in Lancashire's opener against Surrey tomorrow - has the opportunity to establish himself once more as one of the county circuit's most effective performers.

Keedy has taken 481 wickets in 157 first-class matches and - in 2004 - finished as the top English qualified spinner in county cricket with 72 victims.

However, those national calls have dwindled somewhat during Lancashire's Murali seasons', where Keedy's first-class appearances have been restricted.

"Last year, and in years gone by when Murali's been here, it's been a fantastic experience playing with him when given the opportunity," said the 33-year-old.

"But it's frustrating having a stop-start season and not playing in every game. It's better to have a long run in the team where you can settle into a rhythm.

"I just want to carry on from the years when I've had a good go at it - and continue where I left off.

"I'm still maturing as a cricketer and trying to improve my own game.

"I think I've proved over the last four or five years that I'm getting better, and improving and learning. I feel I've still got a heck of a lot to offer this club."

While Keedy focuses his attention on helping Lancashire land their first outright County Championship since 1934, he has not yet given up hope of an England call-up.

Tipped for honours several years back, he was overlooked as England plumped for Panesar, Gareth Batty and Shaun Udal Being the wrong side of 30, and failing to register more than one first-class 50 with the bat, there are potential factors holding Keedy back.

But he is still keen on a Three Lions nod, although Lancashire takes top priority.

"As long as I'm playing cricket, I'll aspire to play Test cricket for England," the spinner added.

"I've said as much as I can in years gone by about whether I should be playing, who should be playing, and why I'm not playing.

"All I'm going to do is enjoy my cricket for Lancashire, take as many wickets as I can, and take it from there."