O’Brien signs for Northants

Northants have signed Niall O’Brien on a one-year deal for the 2007 season.

The 25-year-old wicket-keeper/batsman has joined as cover for Riki Wessels.

O’Brien, who was born in Dublin, will become English qualified during 2007 and Northants head coach David Capel believes he has all the talent to succeed.

Capel said: “After much consideration and searching for the right person to take on this vital role on the staff I am pleased that we have settled on selecting Niall.

“He has had valuable experience with both Kent and Ireland and will join our squad as soon as his World Cup commitments are finished with the Ireland team.”

Northants have also engaged 28-year-old left-arm seamer David Lucas, who has had spells with Nottinghamshire and Yorkshire.

Lucas has initially signed a three-month deal which both parties are keen to see develop into a longer-term contract.

Capel added: “David's left-arm style of bowling will add the necessary variety to our squad of seam bowlers that we require.

“Providing things develop as expected he could fit well into our game plans especially in the longer form of the game.”