Double award winner Steven Croft is on the verge of signing a contract to play first-class cricket with New Zealand state side Auckland this winter.

The 23 year-old Lancashire all-rounder was last night crowned the club’s player of the year and the one-day player of the year for the 2008 season.

Croft, pictured, finished the summer with 585 first-class runs from 13 matches at an average of 32.50. He hit one century – his maiden ton – and three 50s. He also chipped in with 16 wickets at 36.62.

The Blackpool born-star hit 279 runs from 13 one-day matches, averaging 31. He was also the leading wicket taker with 14 at 21.71. He hit 134 runs from 11 Twenty20 matches, while he took six wickets.

And it is that kind of form that has prompted bosses at the Eden Park club to offer him a deal to be their overseas player for the forthcoming state season, which begins on November, 10.

“It’s all pretty much sorted,” explained Croft. “Lancashire are going through the contract, and Auckland are going through theirs. Going away to play first-class cricket means it will be something extra special.

“I have never been to New Zealand, but I have been to Australia twice. I have certainly never been away to play first-class cricket.”

Croft will become the fourth Lancashire player to play for Auckland in recent times, joining Mal Loye, Lou Vincent and James Anderson.

“I have spoken to Mal and Lou, who have brought me up to speed with their players,” continued Croft. “I have heard of quite a few of them, but I don’t know them at all.

“I will go around October, 20. The first game starts on November, 10, but they have two two-day warm up games before hand. It will be really good to experience New Zealand because I have never been before.”

Croft scored his maiden first-class century in June, a fine 122 against Nottinghamshire at Old Trafford.

He added: “That was one of my big goals of the season, to get my first hundred under my belt. It really helped me confidence-wise, it made me feel much more part of the team.

“I think things have gone quite steady this year, but I still believe that I have got a few more runs and wickets left in me. Hopefully I can build on that next season.”

Glen Chapple was named County Championship player of the year, while Tom Smith collected the young player award.

Former England Test ace, Dominic Cork, who has been released after five years with Lancashire, has joined Hampshire on a two-year contract.