Jack Brooks insists Worcestershire can "compete big-time" in Division One of the LV = County Championship.
Brooks picked up nine wickets in champions Yorkshire's three day win over Worcestershire at New Road – his best ever match haul.
But the paceman believes Worcestershire can bounce back from the reversal and should "not be too down" about the 10 wicket loss.
Brooks said: "Worcestershire can take positives from this game, definitely. Going into day three they were level pegging with us and had a slight first innings advantage.
"We knew coming here it would be a tough game, a team who had just got promoted, a nice well drilled talented young outfit with a lot to prove.
"We are depleted with a few players missing so we knew it was going to be a tough game. It was quite a scrappy first two days and no-one really got the ascendancy.
"I spoke to a couple of Worcestershire lads after the second day and said if you get on top in one session in Division One it can win you the game.
"On the third morning myself and Bres (Tim Bresnan) got going. It wasn't bad shots, we just bowled in good areas and were able to keep our foot on the throat of the Worcester guys.
"Tom Fell played beautifully in the first innings and is going to be a good player. In the second innings, we had a better plan to him and it paid off.
"I don't think Worcestershire should be too down about it and take the positives out of it. We are the champions still. I'm sure they can bounce back from this."
Brooks added: "Can Worcestershire compete in Division One? Big time, yes. I don't think there is a stand-out weak team in this division.
"Coming up, you always look at the promoted teams as possibly the two weak links but they've got a quality overseas player, and also when Ajmal comes back as well, and some good quality youngsters.
"Tom Fell played beautifully and Daryl Mitchell has always been a consistent performer and Gareth Andrew is fit.
"I've known him for years, we played against each other in youth cricket as young teenagers and it's good to see him back on the field from a friend's point of view.
"He is a serious competititor, he's got a 50 and a five-for in one game, and he is a talented cricketer.
"If Worcestershire can keep their seam attack fit, they can definitely take 20 wickets in a game.
"I hope we can beat them again later in the season but, other than that, I wish them well."
