​Marcus Trescothick says Somerset will do all they can to help James Hildreth – but insists the batsman must work out any problems for himself.

The former England Lions man’s opening innings of the 2009 season was 303 not out against Warwickshire. But he ended the campaign with only 934 first-class runs in total.

Ex-England star Trescothick said: “We are all very aware that we need to get him to produce the goods for a longer period of time.

“He had good periods last year and he is very aware of it. We can’t go and say to him that he has to do this or that.

“He has to work it out himself with the help of all of us, because he is such a key man for the future of the club. He could be the mainstay of the batting at No 4 or 5 in both forms of the game and a potential leader down the line.”

Hildreth was never dropped and also performed decently in one-day cricket, and he is one of several players under consideration to be Tresc-’s new vice-captain.

The 25-year-old, who attended Millfield School, is preparing for the new season with Trescothick in the indoor school at Taunton, while the other contenders for the position are mainly wintering abroad.

Zander de Bruyn, who put himself forward but was not bought in the recent auction of players for the next Indian Premier League, and Alfonso Thomas are in South Africa.

He is key for the future

And Pete Trego and Craig Kieswetter are heading out to the Middle East for the England Lions trip this Sunday.

Trego’s departure means Trescothick will no longer have to hurl throw-downs at the big-hitting all-rounder – a job that should require danger money.

Trescothick said: “He is going to have to play a slightly different way. It is going to be a better standard to what he has played in. The bowlers will be faster and everything will be at a better pace.

“He has got to where he is by playing a certain fashion. He is flamboyant at times but he has learned to curb it slightly and that is what he will have to do to get to the next level.

“He has got to get fitter and stronger, which he is doing, and then it is up to him to produce the goods at the right time.”

What is not in any doubt is Trego’s enthusiasm.

“He sometimes feels like he should bowl every ball,” said the Somerset skipper.

 “He’d badger myself or Justin Langer and says he should be bowling now and he wants to bat when it’s right, too.”

If Kieswetter impresses in Asia, the South Africa-born wicketkeeper could earn selection for the senior England side.

“I don’t think it will be that long before Craig goes on to the next level,” said Trescothick.

Somerset’s sole reserve wicketkeeper is England Under-19 international Jos Buttler, who has played in three first-team games. Trescothick added: “Jos excites me a lot. Hopefully Jos will come through. He has to work on his wicket-keeping because it is a vital position. If Craig produces, he will be the ideal replacement.”