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ANTHONY McGrath insists he is relishing tomorrow's Friends Provident Trophy clash with Lancashire at Old Trafford because Roses cricket brings out the best in him.

The Yorkshire vice-captain has had an enviable record against the Red Rose county in all forms of cricket in recent times, including a brilliant unbeaten 135 in last season's Friends Provident game at Old Trafford.

He has an average of 59.5 against Lancashire in all forms of cricket over the last three years, including the Pro Arch pre-season game in Abu Dhabi in March.

"I love playing against Lancashire, even at Old Trafford, because the games tend to be spicy," said the 32- year-old.

"The crowd is always bigger than anywhere else in county cricket.

"That makes it really enjoyable for us to play in, whether it be at Headingley or at Old Trafford."

The first competitive clash of 2008 between the arch rivals has taken on an extra importance, with the winner taking top spot in the FPT North Division. Lancashire lead the way but a shocking defeat at home to Scotland last Monday means the Tykes are just one point behind.

"The way recent results have gone, the trophy is going our way at the moment," said McGrath.

"Durham have lost three games in a row, while Lancashire lost to Scotland, so I think we now need to win three out of our last fives games to be assured of qualifying."

McGrath refuses to confirm that Yorkshire are targeting one-day cricket more so than in previous seasons, due to a fruitless few years in the limited-overs game.

"Championship cricket is always the priority," he said.

"But we have let ourselves down in one-day cricket over recent years and it is something that Darren Gough and Martyn Moxon have already discussed.

"We needed to improve and, apart from the first game against Durham, I think we have."

Yorkshire will be without England Lions pair Adil Rashid and Matthew Hoggard tomorrow and they are almost certain to be without Michael Vaughan, who will be named tomorrow in the national squad for next week's first Test against New Zealand.

England will tell Yorkshire tonight whether Vaughan can play another game of county cricket but it seems unlikely.

Add to that the unexpected loss of South African bowler Morne Morkel to a hamstring tear, and the squad is looking light in numbers.

9:26am Saturday 10th May 2008

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