PACEMAN Josh Tongue has given Worcestershire a fitness boost and will be back in contention for next week’s Specsavers County Championship match with Middlesex at Blackfinch New Road.

Tongue was ruled out of this week’s meeting with Lancashire at Emirates Old Trafford because of a niggling injury which was monitored over the past few days.

But first-team Coach Alex Gidman confirmed the 21-year-old would be available for Monday’s tussle.

Tongue returned 5-37 in last week’s five wicket home win over Durham and in the process collected his 100th first class wicket.

Gidman said: “Tonguey has been passed fit so he will come back into selection for next week.”

Meanwhile, the County are monitoring Wayne Parnell’s fitness after he missed the third and final day against Lancashire with a hamstring injury.

Parnell scored 63 and 25 and picked up five wickets in Lancashire’s first innings but could not take the field for their second innings.

Gidman said: “You don’t want injuries at any stage but this was a pretty crucial time to lose anybody.

“Wayne has been bowling really well for us for the last few weeks, through the one-dayers leading into this game, and it was a shame to lose him.”

When asked for an update on Parnell’s fitness, Gidman added: I’m honestly not sure.

“Obviously he was not fit to play a part on the final day and we will look at him over the next 24 hours and if we need to scan him, we will.

“Obviously the first thought is to try and get him ready for next Monday but if he is not we will take it from there.”