MATTHEW Maynard (pictured) will play through the pain barrier in Glamorgan's vital county championship relegation clash against Essex today.

His declaration that he will play in the CricInfo County Championship division one four-day match against bottom club Essex at Sophia Gardens is a massive boost for the relegation-threatened Welshmen, who occupy the third-spot in the dreaded drop-zone.

The former Glamorgan skipper and England batsman suffered a broken finger keeping wicket in the team's one-day Norwich Union Championship victory against Hampshire Hawks on Sunday, but still made 41 not out with the bat.

It was first thought that he might be forced to miss crucial games due to the injury - but brave Maynard says he will take pain-killers and play-on regardless.

Maynard said: "I did break one of my fingers and it will be broken for three or four weeks.

"But I will just have to get on with it, take some pain-killers and play. This is a vitally important time for the club.

"If it was the start of the season I probably would miss out, but at this important stage I cannot."

However, it is likely Glamorgan will be without off-spinner Robert Croft who has been included in the England squad to play Australia in the fourth Ashes test at Headingley.

They will also be without captain Steve James who has a broken right-hand and seamer Alex Wharf who has an ankle injury.

Glamorgan, who will captained by Adrian Dale, are 20 points behind Surrey who are a place above them. But the Welsh side will be encouraged after their three-wicket win against previously unbeaten Surrey at the Oval.

"We put in a very professional display against Surrey," said Maynard. "And we need to do that again against Essex. We have to forget they are bottom because taking a win for granted could be our undoing."