BATSMAN Dave Wheeldon is set for a full-time return to the Staffordshire squad next season.

The 22-year-old left-hander has made sporadic appearances on the Minor Counties circuit in recent years because of his Worcestershire commitments.

However, his departure from New Road has opened the door for a bigger role with Staffs in both the one-day and championship formats.

Wheeldon, who helped Cheadle win promotion to the North Staffs and South Cheshire League Premier Division last year, joined his Staffs team-mates for their first net session of the winter at Clayton last weekend.

County skipper Paul Goodwin, pictured below, says Wheeldon's availability adds further strength to a batting line-up which will also consist of Kadeer Ali, Nav Poonia and Atiq Chishti for a second season.

"At the moment Dave hasn't got anything lined up with a first-class county, so to have him available is a huge bonus for us," said Goodwin.

"Kadder, Nav and Atiq are also on board, which is a big thing because we have a solid core to our top order.

"A couple of years ago we were looking around for some batting experience, but now we have an abundance, which is really positive.

"It will help to take the pressure off some of the younger players in the squad."

Wheeldon, who made 12 first-class appearances for Worcestershire, was joined by several new faces at training as Staffs cast one eye towards the future.

Former Nottinghamshire Academy seamer Dan Cumming – who has now joined Knypersley – Cheadle paceman James Sellers and Caverswall youngster Jake Edge were put through their paces.

"It is important we keep track of the young players who are doing well in the league, and not just the top division," added Goodwin.

"We need to look to the future because the squad isn't getting any younger and these lads need to get integrated into the county set-up.

"Hopefully, the Development side will play two-day games this season to help bridge the gap between club cricket and Minor Counties.

"The lads all offer something different and will certainly give us good options looking to the future."

Goodwin, though, has refused to rule out the possibility of looking outside the local league to formulate his squad.

Any acquisitions would appear likely to be focused towards the bowling department, with the likes of paceman Dave Edwards, all-rounder Craig Barker and spinner Gareth Morris having their availability affected by work commitments.

However, Goodwin, who guided the side to runners-up spot in the Eastern Division last season, says no signings are in the pipeline.

"We've got to keep our eyes open to who is available and whether they would improve us," he added.

"Some of the lads have availability issues, so we have to be mindful of that.

"At the moment, it is 50-50 whether we sign any new players or not.

"But I'm sure in the coming weeks the cricket committee will sit down and see what we have at our disposal and if we need to bring in anyone else."

Staffordshire will start their season with a testing home Knockout Trophy tie against Dorset on Sunday, April 29.