DARREN Gough's chances of being fit for the first Test against Sri Lanka have receded still further with the news that he will not play for Yorkshire until next week at the earliest.

Gough was today seeing a specialist for another check-up on his knee and Yorkshire captain Darren Lehmann has confirmed that the strike bowler will not be ready for tomorrow's Benson and Hedges Cup match against Derbyshire at Derby.

Hopes are now fading that Gough will make it back in time for Monday's B&H Roses clash at Headingley but Lehmann said there was still a chance of him being included in the side for the Championship encounter with Somerset beginning at Taunton on Wednesday.

"It is a very important match and if Darren can prove his fitness we will play him," said Lehmann.

"With Craig White and Matthew Hoggard in the side we will have enough top bowlers to nurse Darren along if necessary and bowl him in short spells.

"In these circumstances I do not think it necessary to have a try-out in the second team before returning."

That will be disappointing news for Stamford Bridge.

Officials at theHunters Estate Agent York and District League Club had their fingers crossed that the charismatic paceman would make his return to action for the second XI against Derbyshire at Low Catton Road on Wednesday, May 8.

The match at Stamford Bridge will start at 11am and will run until Friday.

If Gough does play at Taunton next Wednesday it will be his only first class match before the Lord's Test and England would probably be most reluctant to risk him.

Updated: 11:56 Friday, May 03, 2002