CHRIS Schofield is backing Suffolk to defeat Cheshire in Monday's Minor Counties Knock-out Trophy final at Lord's.And Schofield, whose form this season has seen him called up to England's squad for the inaugural Twenty20 World Cup in South Africa next month, tipped wicketkeeper Chris Warn and all-rounder Chris Swallow to possibly one day follow him into the England set up.

CHRIS Schofield is backing Suffolk to defeat Cheshire in Monday's Minor Counties Knock-out Trophy final at Lord's.

And Schofield, whose form this season has seen him called up to England's squad for the inaugural Twenty20 World Cup in South Africa next month, tipped wicketkeeper Chris Warn and all-rounder Chris Swallow to possibly one day follow him into the England set up.

Schofield played for Cheshire against Suffolk in the Minor Counties Championship play-off final in 2005 before joining Suffolk last season.

His performances for Suffolk subsequently earned him a one-year contract with first-class county Surrey, and his one-day form this season has been a revelation.

Schofield, who played for Suffolk in two of the group stage games earlier this season, is not available to play in the final as he is expected to be turning out for Surrey on Sunday, but he does hope to put in an appearance at Lord's at some stage on the day.

Asked who he thinks will win Monday's showpiece occasion, Schofield told the Lord's website: “I'm afraid I'm going to have to say Suffolk. Sorry Cheshire.

“I played for Suffolk last year and a bit this year so I've got to go for them. I've not really seen a lot of Cheshire this season.

“I know they've got some strong players - lads that have played for Derbyshire. Nathan Dumelow's a good player, he's played first-class cricket for Derbyshire. Chris Bassano too - so they're good players.

“It'll be a good game, but I'll have to back Suffolk.”

Asked which Suffolk players spectators should keep an eye out for Schofield said: “You've got the likes of Tom Huggins, he's played for Northants and been very successful.

“Justin Bishop is a very good left-arm seamer. Those are just a couple to look out for, it'll be a good game.”

And when asked if any of the younger Suffolk players could emulate him and make the step up one day to the England team, Schofield replied: “Yes, of course. Suffolk have a good 'keeper called Chris Warn and an off-spinner, Chris Swallow, who've both done alright.

“There's some decent players there but it comes down to if you've got the application to make the step up to first-class cricket. The final at Lord's will be a good test for them.”