Mahmood fired by England omission

Saj Mahmood played the last of his eight Tests for England in January 2007

Lancashire fast bowler Saj Mahmood believes his omission from England's ICC World Twenty20 squad has given him extra motivation for his county career.

The 27-year-old was included in the provisional 30-man squad for the tournament which begins on Friday, but missed out after it was reduced to 15.

"I was disappointed not to get into the 15," Mahmood told BBC Radio Lancashire.

"But I'm not in the England set-up and the only thing I'm thinking about is playing for Lancashire."

Mahmood's last involvement with England was in the 2007 World Cup in the West Indies.

But, with the incentive of further improvement under former England coach Peter Moores, the Bolton-born player feels he will have further opportunities for an international recall.

"I'm really working hard at my game and I think if I improve in certain areas I won't be too far away from that England set-up.

"I'm really happy with the way things have gone so far and have been working really hard in the nets and it's showing on the field.

Mahmood earned his best bowling-figures in the shortest form of the game taking 4-29 in Lancashire's Twenty20 Cup win over Derbyshire on Tuesday. And he feels winning trophies this season is definitely achievable.

"We've got a really good mix in the side," said Mahmood.

"Unfortunately over the last couple of years we've not been able to click as well as we have this year, so if we can carry on doing that I don't think we'll be too far away from a bit of silverware."