DOMINIC Cork has boosted Lancashire's hopes for a flying start to the 2004 season by declaring himself 100 per cent fit and raring to get into action for his new club.

The former Derbyshire captain, who has signed a three-year deal at Old Trafford, proved on the Red Rose pre-season tour of South Africa that his troublesome ankle has completely mended.

Now he wants to show why he only took five seconds to choose Lancashire ahead of several other counties.

"I only needed an instant, I knew it was the right decision then and I know it even more than ever now" said the former England Test star.

"This is such a professional and highly organised club in every department, and the players here come in wanting to work hard and wanting to be successful. I'm sure we will be, and I want to play a part in it.

"I can't wait to play my first game. It was a bit of a sickener to sign for the club and then immediately need an operation on the ankle, but they've looked after me tremendously well and it feels really strong now."

Cork injured his ankle with Derbyshire last summer and played on for the rest of the season despite the pain.

He had surgery last October, began running seriously in January and bowled enthusiastically during the South African build-up.

"I just want him to enjoy his cricket with us this season" said Lancashire's cricket manager Mike Watkinson.

Cork, at 32, has nothing to prove and yet everything to prove.

Between 1995 and 2002 he appeared in 37 Tests, earning figures of 7-43 on his Lord's debut against West Indies and taking a hat-trick against them at Old Trafford.

"Matthew Hoggard's hat-trick in Barbados obviously reminded me of mine," said Cork.

"It's a fantastic achievement for any bowler, and I've got happy memories of Old Trafford. I hope to finish with a lot more."

Cork is in the frame for the one-day curtain-raiser against Yorkshire at Old Trafford next Wednesday, but in a squad containing seven seamers and two all-rounders - apart from Andy Flintoff - he knows a first-team spot isn't guaranteed.

"I'm going to have to work hard, but I'm prepared for that," he said.