ALL-ROUNDER Nick Woods is hoping to impress for Oxford University as he bids to secure his future at Lancashire.

The 21-year-old Westhoughton lad returned from the British Universities tour of South Africa recently intent on convincing the Old Trafford coaching staff to sign him when he finishes the final year of his degree in experimental psychology in June.

Woods, who bowls left arm spin, faces a crucial test of his credentials as he currently plays for the University team against first-class opponents Middlesex, Glamorgan and Leicester over the next few weeks.

The former pupil of St James School, Farnworth, returned to Oxford in good form with the bat having scored 60 in a three-day game which was drawn in South Africa and averaged 35 in six one-day matches.

Woods, who was a Lancashire Academy player between the ages of 16 and 18 before being offered his current scholarship contract, said that his performances this summer were likely to be the key to determining the direction of his career.

"My aim is to be signed by Lancashire when I have finished my degree," he said.

"Obviously, if I put in some decent performances against professional opposition in the next few weeks, then that puts me in the shop window "It was a nice surprise and big honour when I was voted in as the Oxford University captain at the end of last season."

Woods grew up watching father Steve play for Westhoughton and Heaton, before embarking on his own cricketing path.

As a six-year-old he played for Westhoughton before moving to Horwich Cricket Club when he was 11.

He later joined the Northern Cricket Club at Liverpool.

He added: "I developed my game in the Bolton League, and I learned lessons there I will never forget."

Nick will return to his Westhoughton home at the end of the academic year and then play in the Lancashire second team.

"This summer's pretty crucial. If I can put in some decent second team performances I've got half a chance of getting my scholarship contract extended at Lancashire. We'll have to see how it goes."