Northants make two signings

Northamptonshire have signed two players to complete their winter player dealings. Niall O'Brien, a 25-year-old wicketkeeper/batsman who has played for Kent, and David Lucas, a 28-year-old left arm seamer, will both join the club ahead of next summer.

O'Brien, who will provide cover for Riki Wessels, has signed a one-year deal and will join after the World Cup, where he is representing Ireland. He was born in Dublin but will become English qualified during 2007 and the head coach David Capel believes he has first-class qualities and is delighted to have found him "after much consideration and searching".

Lucas has had spells with Nottinghamshire and Yorkshire and will join for a trial period of three months. "David's left arm style of bowling will add the necessary variety to our squad of seam bowlers that we require," said Capel. And he hinted that Lucas could have a Championship future if he impresses at this stage. "Providing things develop as expected he could fit well into our game plans especially in the longer form of the game."