James Taylor believes Nottinghamshire have the perfect squad to challenge for this season's LV= County Championship title.
Notts finished fourth last year but appear to be a club on the rise after some notable winter signings.
The pace department has been strengthened by the arrivals of Vernon PhilanderandBen Hilfenhaus while former Zimbabwe skipper Brendan Taylor agreed terms after he was named in the World Cup team of the tournament.
Will Gidman has also been lured from Gloucestershire and with the likes of Alex Hales and Taylor harbouring England ambitions there is understandably plenty of optimism at Trent Bridge.
“I reckon we should be (challenging for the title),” Taylor told the lastest ECB podcast.
“If you look down our squad we have some serious talent right the way through mixed in with some guys that have proven themselves at international level.
“With the likes of Vernon Philander and Ben Hilfenhaus – we’ve chosen really well when it comes to overseas (players) as well as good English talent throughout the squad.
“We’re really strong with both bat and ball. You’d like to think we would be there or thereabouts if we play to our potential.”
Taylor believes one of the key factors in any title challenge will be converting good positions into wins.
After falling just short of victory in their opener against Middlesex they dominated for long periods against champions Yorkshire before settling for back-to-back draws.
Speaking after the Middlesex stalemate, Taylor said: “That’s quite often the case with us – looking quite good but not quite getting over the line.
“It’s not a massive failing of ours but because we are a good side we are always going to be putting ourselves in those positions.
“It is just up to us now to covert them.”
Taylor is also motivated to reclaim a place in the Test team ahead of the Ashes summer after touring Down Under for the World Cup in the winter.
“I’m massively determined to get back in the England Test fold as soon as possible,” he said.
“I’ve had a little taster now of international cricket. I’ve had a good run in one-day cricket and I’m desperate to get back in that Test fold.
“It’s up to me now to be consistent in county cricket like I have been over the years and put myself in the shop window again.
“Hopefully I play a part in a massive summer against Australia and New Zealand.”