MUCH as he loves the North East, New Zealand's World Cup star Scott Styris will make his Durham debut today with an eye on getting back to Lord's.

Despite his own consistent contributions, the Middlesex team he was part of last season finished bottom of division one and Styris is keen to return to headquarters in the happier circumstances of a one-day final.

"I'm really looking forward to playing for Durham and I'd love to help them win a trophy," said the 31-year-old all-rounder.

"I know this area from playing for Lanchester in the late 90s and I found the people really friendly. I have also played at Riverside for New Zealand."

Durham face Worcestershire at Riverside today in the Friends Provident Trophy and part of the reason for bringing in Styris for two months is to boost their chances of reaching a Lord's final for the first time in the 50-over competition.

They stand third in the northern group, two points behind Warwickshire and one behind Nottinghamshire with a game in hand on both. If Durham win today they will be top with three games left and have both their main rivals to play.

They are also strengthened by the availability of Steve Harmsion and Liam Plunkett, although the strange workings of the England hierarchy mean that Paul Collingwood has to wait until Sunday's match at Headingley.

Sunday promises to be a crucial day with Warwickshire visiting Worcester, while Nottinghamshire go to Leicestershire, who are by no means out of the running for a semi-final spot.

Styris will find Riverside pitches have improved considerably since the one-day international three years ago, when England were bowled out for 101. Styris was 23 not out when New Zealand won by seven wickets after 17.2 overs.

He usually bats at No 4, although Durham might want to try him at three, depending on who they leave out. If they are to make full use of his brisk medium pace bowling they could retain all the batsmen and leave out three of the seamers who played against Scotland on Monday, although all are included in a 14-man squad.

The depth of batting would allow 38-year-old Ottis Gibson to be rested, especially with Plunkett able to come in at nine.

Worcestershire have won two, lost two and had one game washed out in the competition so far and have Graeme Hick averaging 70.3.

But Durham will be confident of victory after starting their championship campaign with a comfortable win at New Road.

Durham (from): D M Benkenstein (capt), M J Di Venuto, P Mustard, W R Smith, S B Styris, K J Coetzer, G R Breese, G T Park, L E Plunkett, S J Harmison, N Killeen, O D Gibson, M Davies, G Onions.