Leicestershire line up O'Brien signing

By Paul Bolton, County News Correspondent

Leicestershire are interested in signing Ireland wicketkeeper Niall O’Brien from Northamptonshire. O’Brien, 30, still has a year remaining on his contract at Wantage Road but has been given permission by Northamptonshire to talk to other counties as he is unlikely to be part of their long-term plans.

Northamptonshire preferred David Murphy as their first-choice wicketkeeper for  most of the second half of the season and they also have high hopes that England Under-19 player Ben Duckett will develop quickly if he is given first team opportunities.

O’Brien’s details have been circulated to other counties and Leicestershire are the first to show a definite interest. They are due to hold talks with O’Brien and his agent this week about a possible move to Grace Road.

Leicestershire have a vacancy for a wicketkeeper following the recent departure of Paul Dixey, who was understudy to Ned Eckersley for much of last season.

O’Brien’s ability to play as a specialist batsman has also attracted him to Leicestershire, who are looking for someone to fill the gap left at the top of their order by the retirement of Will Jefferson.

O’Brien, who joined Northamptonshire from Kent five years ago, may have to take a pay cut if he moves to Grace Road as Leicestershire have slashed next year’s playing budget to cut costs after another tough financial year.

Date: 26/09/2012 17:48:20 by Paul Bolton
In: Today | Northamptonshire | Leicestershire |