Ed Barnard wants to emulate the achievement of his long time friend and cricketing team-mate Joe Clarke and force his way into England Lions contention.
The Worcestershire all-rounder and wicket-keeper-batsman Clarke, who first played together for Shropshire Under-11s, were both in the England Under-19 side that reached the semi-finals of the 2014 World Cup.
Clarke has now gone onto earn Lions selection and was part of the squad which defeated Pakistan 'A' 3-2 in the T20 Series in Dubai although a quad injury ruled him out after the opening game.
Barnard is delighted for his County colleague and would like to follow in his footsteps.
He said: "Joe and myself started playing Under-11s for Shropshire. It has been fantastic to watch him. We've gone together through almost everything.
"To see him last season kick on and get picked for the Lions, I was really proud for him and really happy for him.
"He is one of the most talented and best players I've ever played with.
"The big thing for me is the way he improves so quickly. He always learns very quickly and he is just confident in his own ability to back himself and do the business.
"As he showed last season, he does it a lot, regularly, and he is very consistent.
"Is my aim to get Lions selection? I think so. That has got to be everyone's aim, to play at the highest level you can.
"I think for next season just to try and establish myself in the four-day side and do as well as I can for Worcestershire will then give me a great chance of kicking on."
