LANCASHIRE coach Peter Moores admits seamer James Anderson faces one of the biggest years of his career with the Ashes just around the corner.

Burnley-born Anderson is tipped to continue spear-heading England’s pace attack this summer after emerging as one of the few bright spots against the West Indies.

While the likes of Steve Harmison, Ryan Sidebottom and Amjad Khan lacked any real cutting edge on the Caribbean’s docile pitches, the 27-year-old carried much more of a threat, and took a 3-24 in a brilliant second innings effort during the last drawn Test in Trinidad.

Anderson is now a key figure for the five-match One Day International series against the Windies that begins next week, while his recent performances will almost guarantee him a spot for the Ashes later this year.

With over 100 Test wickets in 35 matches, and after overcoming a series of niggling injuries since 2006, Anderson is more than an established name in the England line-up.

And new Red Rose coach Moores – who worked with Anderson during his two-year tenure as England coach – believes the Lancashire ace is hitting the top of his game.

“I’ve got nothing but admiration for Jimmy because he’s been through a tough journey with the injury he had and has come back from that,” said Moores.

“When I first started with England, we challenged him to get fitter and stronger and he’s done that. He’s took on a big work-load and bowled a lot of overs.

“Touch wood, he stays injury free, but he’s now very good at his preparation.

“It’s a big year for Jimmy because he’s done very well and he’ll want to carry on that form through the Twenty20 World Cup and the Ashes coming up as well.

“He’ll be hoping that he’s in great form and that he has a fantastic year.”

Moores added: “Jimmy is a very skilful bowler and I think anybody who watches him bowl knows he commits everything to it.

“One thing Lancashire can say about Jimmy and Freddie (Flintoff) is that they’ve got two bowlers who are absolutely whole-hearted performers when you put the ball in their hand.”

With Anderson looking to cement his place for the summer clash against Aust-ralia – which follows a three-Test homes series with West Indies – another Lancastrian, Sajid Mahmood, is also playing his way back into contention following his efforts for England Lions.

The paceman was the pick of the Lions bowlers as they drew the second ‘Test’ against New Zealand A this week.

And Moores has backed Mah-mood – who last played for England’s senior side in April 2007 – to pile on the pressure to regain his place.

He said: “Saj has got an opportunity at the moment because he’s playing for England A in New Zealand and that’s good for him.

“The nice thing with Saj is that all reports on him, certainly when I was with England, were that he’d improved a lot.

“He was more consistent, and had a better rhythm. The key for him is building on that again.

“He’s got the advantage of having played for England before, so he knows what is expected.

“He’s got to stay fit and bowl well for Lancashire.

“His performances will hold sway. If he’s getting five-fors and taking wickets, he’s going to put people under pressure.”

Lancashire fly out to Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates, on Sunday for their pre-season tour and four-team tournament.

They will take on Sussex, Essex and a Fly Emirates side during their 10-day stay in the Middle East.