HASEEB Hameed will make his Lancashire first-team debut today in place of Paul Horton.

Hameed has been released by England under 19s to play in the LV= County Championship match against Glamorgan at Emirates Old Trafford after Lancashire yesterday revealed that they have not offered Horton a new contract for next year.

The 18-year-old former Bolton School student signed professional terms with the Red Rose at the start of the season, but has had to be patient for his chance.

Cricket director and head coach Ashley Giles sought permission from England for them to release the right-hander from their one-day series against Australia on Wednesday evening.

And after scoring only two in yesterday’s defeat at Leicester, he has rejoined his county and will partner fellow Boltonian Karl Brown today in a match that will see Lancashire secure promotion should they win.

The club say 32-year-old Horton is free to search for a new county after opting against offering him a new contract, and he has almost certainly played his last match for Lancashire.

Horton, a hugely dependable and versatile batsman in all forms with more success as an opener in the Championship, has scored 8,374 first-class runs for the Red Rose since debuting in 2003.

He has hit 17 hundreds and 46 fifties in 148 matches, including a best of 173.

Although this decision will no doubt surprise some Lancashire supporters, the writing has been on the wall since he was overlooked for the captaincy at the start of the summer.

And Horton, hurt by that call, has hinted that a parting of the ways was mutual.

“After speaking to the club in mid-season, I wanted to have a look at my options, and I am now looking forward to a fresh challenge where my experience can hopefully benefit a new club,” he said.

“I have had a wonderful time at Lancashire. From my first game as a 15 year old to all 308 competitive professional games for the club.

“The pinnacle has to be helping Lancashire win the County Championship in 2011, especially after 77 years of waiting. It was also an honour and privilege to captain the side to the NatWest T20 final last year.”

Giles added: “This was a tough decision for the club to make, and I would like to thank Paul for all of his efforts for the club. We all wish him well in the future.”