STEVE Patterson says Yorkshire still have the firepower to win LV= County Championship matches despite having to field a much-changed side through the first month of the season.

England’s tour to the Caribbean has accounted for six first-team regulars for the opening three four-day matches, leaving some to doubt the county’s ability to defend their title.

Patterson, however, believes Yorkshire fans should be encouraged by the fact their potent fast bowling quartet is still in tact ahead of Sunday’s Division One opener against Worcestershire at New Road.

Liam Plunkett is unavailable, but he only played seven matches last season.

Out of the 274 Championship wickets taken by bowlers in 2014, Tim Bresnan, Jack Brooks, Ryan Sidebottom and Patterson accounted for 182.

Ahead of tomorrow’s three-day friendly against Leeds/Bradford MCC Universities at Headingley, Patterson said: “We know what we’re capable of. One of the big things is that we’ve still got a strong bowling attack,” he said.

“We’re losing six players, but we’re only losing Liam in terms of our fast bowling. We’ve still got four senior seam bowlers in myself, Brooksy, Ryan and Brez.

“Early-season conditions, you’d like to think that if we bowl to the standard we’re capable of, we can still bowl teams out. Then it’s a case of knuckling down when it comes to batting.”

Yorkshire have named a 13-man squad for this week, resting only Sidebottom. India’s Cheteshwar Pujara could debut if he arrives in time and is granted a work permit, although that is unlikely.

Karl Carver, Matthew Fisher, Dan Hodgson and Will Rhodes are all included.

“Yes, it’s a shame that we’re going to lose a number of very, very good players, but we see it as an opportunity for another young lad to step up,” added Patterson.

“If you look back, Alex Lees got his opportunity because somebody was injured or unavailable. He came through and look what he’s done.

“Jack Leaning got his opportunity last year because someone was away, and he’s been superb.”

Yorks 13 v Leeds/Bradford MCCU: Gale (c), Brooks, Bresnan, Carver, Fisher, Hodd (wk), Hodgson, Leaning, Lees, Patterson, Pujara, Pyrah, Rhodes.