LANCASHIRE spinner Gary Keedy is hoping Ryan Sidebottom's England success could help him snatch a place in Michael Vaughan's winter touring squad.

The 32-year-old can consider himself unlucky not to have been called up in the past after establishing himself as one of domestic cricket's most consistent spinners.

In 2004, Keedy took 72 wickets and last season topped Lancashire's bowling charts with 60 wickets in all competitions.

New England coach Peter Moores has proved with Sidebottom's shock selection that he's not afraid of putting county cricket's best in to the Test team and with England touring Sri Lanka in the winter, many feel Keedy could get his chance.

But after being on the brink of England selection in the past, Keedy is concentrating solely on doing well for Lancashire.

He said: "The door's always open and Ryan showed that there's a lot of talent in county cricket.

"Anyone who thinks that county cricket is a soft competition is sadly mistaken. Paul Nixon's inclusion in the winter along with players like Shaun Udal and Ryan show that there is a lot of depth and experience in the English game.

"It would be wrong of England to close the door on anyone.

"But I can't even think of that now. All you can say is that the door is never closed and all I can do is keep performing for Lancashire and keep taking wickets. Then whatever will be will be."

And Keedy, who has 25 wickets to his name despite having his opportunities curtailed by Muttiah Muralitharan, was full of praise for Moores' impact on the English game since taking over from Duncan Fletcher at the start of the season.

He added: "I did a lot of work with Peter last year and I like the way he works and his attitude towards the game is pretty good.

"He proved that with Ryan's selection. Not too many up and down the country would have picked Ryan to play for England again but his decision has been vindicated.

"There aren't too many bowlers with Ryan's experience and it's great to see that good players are getting their opportunities."