LANCASHIRE cricket manager Mike Watkinson says his side are well prepared for the weekend's Friends Provident Trophy double header against Durham and Scotland at Old Trafford.

The Lightning face three crucial home games in seven days, with Roses rivals Yorkshire crossing the Pennines next Sunday.

And Watkinson wants the Lightning to build on their promising start, courtesy of last weekend's win against Scotland in Edinburgh, by beating the holders on Saturday.

"We got off with a win last week and if we can win against Durham, then it will have set us off with a good start in this competition," he said.

Watkinson was speaking after watching a strong Red Rose outfit play out a useful draw against the students of Durham University on Friday.

Pakistan batsman Mohammad Yousuf is expected to make his Lancashire debut against Durham.