LANCASHIRE chairman Jack Simmons is hoping England new boy Saj Mahmood can make a big impact at Test level.

Mahmood looks set to make his international debut in the first Test against Sri Lanka tomorrow at Lord's and Simmons is delighted that the fast bowler is finally showing is true potential.

The 24-year-old burst into the England one-day side in 2004 but after initially failing to sparkle at the top level, Mahmood has earned his stripes on the recent tour of India to force his way into the reckoning following injuries to Simon Jones, Steve Harmison and Lancashire's own Jimmy Anderson.

Simmons said: "I think Duncan Fletcher (England's coach) likes really genuine fast bowlers and if Saj gets everything right then he's as quick as anything in the country.

"Over the last 12 months he's started to understand just what abilities he has. Everybody could see he had the potential, it was just about how much he wanted it.

"It was a bit like Andrew Flintoff's rise. He always had the potential, he just had to learn his game and that's what Saj is doing."

Simmons added that having Lancashire team-mate Flintoff leading the side in Michael Vaughan's absence will be of help to Mahmood.

"Freddie knows what Saj is capable of and I'm sure he will bowl him in the right quantities to get the best out of him.

"Saj has been in great form this year. He took eight wickets in the match against Kent last week and has a knack of getting rid of the tail, which is vital skill to have."

But as happy as he was for Mahmood, Simmons spared a thought for Burnley paceman Anderson who is out for two months with a stress fracture of the lower back.

Mahmood replaced Anderson in the side but revealed his sorrow at his setback just when he looked to have put his international career back on track.

"I feel so sad for Jimmy," Simmons said. "He worked so hard to get back into the England side. He bowled superbly well in India and it's sad that he's picked up an injury.

"It's a double blow for us because Saj has replaced him, which deprives of another bowler, but we really hope Saj can do the business for England."