ASSISTANT-COACH Craig White has challenged Yorkshire’s young squad to aim high in 2010.

The former England all-rounder has stepped up from his role as the club’s second XI coach, and his presence at all first team matches is designed to give director of professional cricket Martyn Moxon more chance to see more cricket away from the senior arena.

White turned down the chance to become Warwickshire’s bowling coach, and replace ex-South Africa pace bowler Allan Donald, earlier in the winter.

He said: “We’ve got some young lads around, but a few of them have got a fair bit of experience now. It will take time for them to gel, but you’ve got to have some goals to achieve.”

White’s former county and international colleague Michael Vaughan recently said that Yorkshire’s title chances of success in the County Championship are unrealistic, but they could challenge in the Twenty20 Cup.

Vaughan said anybody could challenge in Twenty20 because of the fact that is more of a lottery.

But even that prospect looks a bit far-fetched after two damaging pre-season defeats to the University of the West Indies and Derbyshire in Barbados over the weekend.

But White continued: “You never know, we might surprise one or two teams who might underestimate us. If you can have a bit of luck here and there, play well, then a one-day competition is a realistic aim.”

Only two of Yorkshire’s current 18-strong party on tour in the Caribbean are not products of Yorkshire’s famous Academy system, and only two of the domestic qualified players in the full squad are over the age of 30.

White, coming from his role with the seconds, is in the perfect position to judge the names who could make an impression.

He added: “There’s a lot of talent out there, it’s just going to be about believing in themselves to do it at the highest level.

“Joe Root has played very well in the second team, and has had experience with the England under 19s, as did Oliver Hannon-Dalby too.

“I’ve spent a lot of time working with Jonny Bairstow. He came into the firsts and did really well last year. Hopefully he can continue on progressing this year.”

As for his own role, and how it will give Moxon more time to assess his playing staff, he added: “I took the coaching role just after Christmas, and I’m going to be with the first team all the time. Wherever they go, I’ll go.

“Martyn’s the director of pro cricket here, and he needs to know how the whole staff is performing. Hopefully it will allow him to go and keep an eye on more second team and Academy games.”