STUART LAW has handed Lancashire a massive boost on the eve of Saturday's C&G Trophy semi-final at Worcester by revealing that he could come off the overseas quota next year.

The 34-year-old Aussie, whose contract is up at the end of this season, could even be entitled to British citizenship because his wife is from Rainhill.

He's not likely to play for England, but if Law does get his passport before next summer it would mean Lancashire could keep him and Carl Hooper, and still sign an overseas bowler -- maybe Harbhajan Singh or Muttiah Muralitharan.

Law seems certain to earn an extended deal to stay at Old Trafford after his superb form this season, which has taken him to the top of the first class averages.

"I want to be around for a long time to come," said the Queenslander.

"I have been looking into the chance of getting British citizenship. It's going to be a tough decision if it means severing my ties with Queensland, but I definitely want to stay at Lancashire beyond the end of this year."

Law is set to bat at number three in tomorrow's semi-final with Iain Sutcliffe's injury misery continuing.

Sutcliffe has lost his battle to recover from a calf problem in time to play at Worcester, although there is still a chance that he will return in the crucial Championship match at Sussex next week.

His absence leaves Lancashire with a tricky selection decision as they aim to book a final against Gloucestershire at the end of this month.

The obvious contenders to replace Sutcliffe at the top of the order would be Alec Swann and Mark Currie. But Swann has been struggling badly for runs, and neither he nor Currie have been able to make an impression with the second team this week.

Instead Chris Schofield has starred, following his 150 in the first innings with another 74 yesterday, and it would be a surprise if Lancashire do not choose the leg-spinner in the middle order -- with his superb fielding as an added bonus.

John Wood's consistent recent form in both Championship and one-day cricket seems likely to earn him a place ahead of Kyle Hogg and Sajid Mahmood, with the return of Andrew Flintoff and James Anderson giving captain Warren Hegg an embarrassment of bowling options.

Like yesterday's first semi at Bristol, the game will start at 10.15am to fit in with television schedules, as Lancashire aim to reach their first Lord's final for five years.

Possible team: Chilton, Loye, Law, Hooper, Flintoff, Schofield, Chapple, Hegg, Wood, Martin, Anderson.