PAUL Horton is set for his Championship debut for Lancashire against Warwickshire at Stratford-upon-Avon today.

The young middle-order batsmen, who was born in Australia, has been drafted into the Red Rose squad to replace the injured Carl Hooper. He has featured in the side's last two one-day outings.

Last Sunday he was called up as an emergency replacement after Lancashire were reduced to just 10 fit players at Egbaston after Stuart Law and Glen Chapple pulled out during the warm-up.

Team manager Mike Watkinson says the injuries are a problem: "The fact they have come along at once is a concern.

"But we can't hide behind it, we are still putting 11 good guys on the field and the likes of Paul Horton will get their chance."

Even though the Red Rose side fell to a heavy defeat Horton put in a promising performance, notching up 42 on his National League debut.

He was retained in the team for the C&G clash with Yorkshire on Wednesday but wasn't required to bat.

Hooper was struck again on his right hand during the defeat to Yorkshire.

The former West Indian Test player was still struggling after the blow he took in the C&G third round against Sussex and a bouncer struck him on the hand as he made 66 from 67 balls.

After painkilling spray from the Lancashire physio he continued his innings and put in a brave effort in the field as he bowled nine overs, but looked in obvious pain.

Stuart Law is ruled out of the match with his back problem, while Iain Sutcliffe is still recovering from his thigh strain and Glen Chapple has a head injury.

There is hope that seamer Peter Martin will play after his eight overs against Yorkshire to boost the depleted seam attack as Burnley product Jimmy Anderson and Sajid Mahmood away with England.

Leaders Warwickshire have been dealt a blow by the news that Heath Streak, their match-winner last week, will miss the visit of Lancashire to Stratford.

The Zimbabwe all-rounder, who took 13 wickets against Northamptonshire, faces three weeks on the sidelines with a pulled stomach muscle.

"It's a real shame because Heath played so well last week in his first game for us," said coach John Inverarity.

South Africa pace bowler Dewald Pretorius, who filled in as overseas player for Streak earlier in the season, is recalled, while Alan Richardson is also named in a 12-man squad.

"We're very pleased to be at the top of the table," added Inverarity.

"I'm not sure whether the fact that most of the pressure has been on the likes of Lancashire and Surrey has helped us.

"We've just played some good cricket and our players have performed so far this season."