CARL Hooper has given Lancashire a boost my making himself available for the whole of the 2004 season.

The former West Indies captain also believes that there is a great chance of the county winning the Championship for the first time since 1934 - their first match started against Northamptonshire today.

"We have got a great squad with plenty of depth," said Hooper.

"The Championship is our main aim this season, the whole team is gearing themselves towards it."

Last season the all rounder scored over 1,000 runs and took 30 wickets in just 13 games after arriving as a replacement for Indian spinner Harbhajan Singh.

Hooper added: "It will be nice to be here for the whole summer this time and hopefully be able to contribute to success here at Lancashire."

Hooper spent the winter in South Australia, where he now lives, and managed to play some district cricket to keep himself in form.

"I played a few games for a university side, so I have been able to get some cricket.

"I feel in reasonable form but the bowling feels a bit stiff."

The combination of Hooper and Stuart Law gives Lancashire one of the strongest batting line-ups in the country and Hooper says he has always admired his Australian colleague.

"Whenever Queensland were playing and it was on the television I would try and watch him because he is a great player," enthused Hooper.

"He had super season and it was a good way for him to finish his career in Australia."

Following the game against Northants the team then travel to the south coast to face the champions, Sussex - who start their defence against Surrey.