Young gun Simpson joins Middlesex

9:45pm Monday 9th June 2008

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FORMER Haslingden cricketer John Simpson has signed professional terms with Middlesex.

The England under-19 wicketkeeper/batsman, who was on the books of Lancashire and had played a number of tiral games for nottinghamshire, was taken on as an MCC young cricketer at the start of the season.

But after blasting 64 a second XI game against Essex, Middlesex coach Richard Scott snapped up 19-year-old and gave him a contract up until the end of next season.

And Simpson, who played last season with Ormskirk in the Liverpool and District Competition, was delighted to have signed in at Lord's.

He said: "I'm delighted to have signed for Middlesex but I won't be getting complacent - I'm still at the bottom of the ladder fighting with lots of others to improve and become a County regular and, hopefully, one day play for England.

"I'm ready to work hard and take the opportunity I've been given.

"Being an MCC Young Cricketer really taught me to make the most of the time and facilities available at Lord's.

"We're lucky to have coaches like Clive Radley and Mark Wright who are always willing to work with us, no matter what time of day, and the fantastic facilities on our doorstep meant that if you put a lot in, you'd get a lot out.

"I have worked hard, started well and now am really excited about the rest of the season."