SOMERSET star Andy Caddick is set to undergo back surgery - but director of cricket Brian Rose is confident his leading bowler will be fit for the start of next season.

Caddick, who took 70 championship wickets at just over 24 runs each in 2007 and played a vital part in the county's double promotion, will have the operation later this month to resolve an ongoing thoracic spine disc bulge.

"We do not think this is a major problem and wish him well," Rose said yesterday.

"Andy has shown he is pretty fit by his performances for us over the years so we expect him to make a full recovery and are confident he will be back with us ready for the start of the 2008 season."

Meanwhile, the 39-year-old paceman was one of two Somerset representatives to win recognition at the BBC Points West Sports Awards in Bristol.

Caddick won the Cricketer of the Year award ahead of the two other nominees from Somerset - Justin Langer and Marcus Trescothick - while Andy Hurry picked up the Coach of the Year accolade from a shortlist including Bristol City football boss Gary Johnson.

Caddick said: "It is great for me to be honoured in this way and I am delighted to be recognised.

"It's quite amazing that at the age of 39 I am winning more awards than I have ever done before.

"I would like to thank everyone who helped to make this possible and hopefully next year there will be even more to celebrate."

Another Somerset man, James Hildreth, enhanced his chances of selection for the England Lions' tour of India after Christmas when he hit an impressive century for an England Performance Programme XI in their three-day game against an MRF XI in Chennai.

Hildreth who topped 1,000 championship runs in a season for the first time in 2007, is spending a month out in India as part of the 16-strong England party.

The 23-year-old blasted his 136 off just 130 balls and shared a stand of 209 with Warwickshire's Jonathan Trott as the touring side scored 358-4 to win on the first innings.