THERE is a real sense of history, expectation and pressure that comes with the role of being professional at Radcliffe, but that will not stop current incumbent Usman Tariq trying to leave his legacy to match those of cricketing luminaries such as Sir Garfield Sobers and Frank Worrell.

The West Indian duo lit up the town during their spells at the Racecourse in the fifties and sixties, and Sobers still holds the record score by a Radcliffe batsman with 186.

However, Tariq, who has struck 800 runs already this season, was just one blow away from overhauling that score earlier this season when he cracked 181 against Littleborough last month.

Such has been the Pakistani's impact on and off the field at the Central Lancashire League outfit, he has already been signed up for next season and Tariq is determined to bring some glory days back to the club.

"I am really enjoying it here," said the 23-year-old. "I was a bit down at first because I felt the pressure to score runs but I was fine once I had registered my first big score.

"I was delighted to get the League record score of 181, but I was gutted not to get Sobers' record. I was absolutely shattered and I prayed to God that he would give me the strength to hit one last boundary and I managed to hit it hard but was caught on the rope. I will get it one day though.

"I feel proud to have my picture up in the bar alongside people like Sobers and Worrell and I want to match their achievements for the club, and also in the world of cricket."

In fact, Tariq has not ruled out using the Kolpak ruling to make himself available for Lancashire - and England. The all-rounder is getting married next year, and would then be eligible but he admits he harbours ambitions to play for Pakistan first and foremost.

"Every season is a new chance for me to impress," said Tariq, who has represented Pakistan A. "It would be an honour to play for Pakistan and I have to keep working hard and scoring runs and see what happens.

"I will be going back to Pakistan in the winter to play a full domestic season for Multan Tigers and that is my chance to impress the selectors."

Tariq made his name in England at Greenmount in the Bolton League, but was snapped up by Radcliffe late last summer and the paid man has been a shining light in a difficult season.

"We started the season well, but the weather has let us down in some games," said Tariq. "We should have won games that were called off and heads have gone down because of that. But, we are trying and I know that a win will come soon.

"We are near the bottom now, but we are only a couple of wins away from moving up the table and I have to help the lads believe that we can do that.

"I am enjoying playing in the Central Lancashire League. I think the professionals are better in this league and there are some nice grounds. It is also good for my development because one day the wickets are soft, and the next day they are hard and true - all in one weekend."

Chairman Chris Franklin was instrumental in bringing Tariq to the club, and he believes Radcliffe have the best professional in the area on their books.

"Batting and bowling wise, Usman has done really well," said Franklin. "His attitude is good and nobody can fault him.

"He only just missed the Sir Garfield Sobers record and that shows you how good he is, and can be. We are delighted he has signed for us again next season."