Andy Caddick took 75 wickets as Somerset won promotion (Getty)

The experienced seam bowler had an operation on Christmas Eve and has been told by his surgeon that it went well.

"I am very confident that I will be back to full fitness and ready to play in the opening Championship match of the season," he told the club website.

"I am really looking forward to opening the bowling for Somerset in 2008."

The 39-year-old former England seamer is hoping the operation to cure a thoracic spinal disc problem will help him play on for several more years.

"The operation that I have just undergone during which they fused three discs in my back was to make bowling pain free for me, which will enable me to extend my career and play for another two or three seasons, which is what I want to do," he added.

From my contact with Andy I am fully confident that he will be fit and ready to go at the start of April Somerset director of cricket Brian Rose

Caddick, who spearheaded Somerset's promotion from Division Two by taking 75 wickets last season, is hoping to step up his training ahead of the new campaign in around a month's time.

Director of cricket Brian Rose said: "I have spoken to Andy and he is very happy with the way the procedure has gone.

"He will spend a couple of weeks resting and then commence a rehabilitation programme and training schedule.