STEVEN Mullaney is hoping a stint back in the Bolton Association will help him cement a place in the Lancashire side.

The 21-year-old former Golborne all-rounder has signed on as professional with Atherton after spending the winter playing Australian grade cricket in the Victorian Turf Cricket Association with McKinnon.

The former England Under-19s international comes with impressive pedigree after averaging 70 and taking more than 30 wickets for Northern in the Liverpool Competition last summer, and he is looking to put in similar matchwinning performances for his new employers.

"I have obviously not been around the Bolton Association for 10 years, if not longer, so I am really looking forward to going back," said the Leigh-born cricketer. "My dad played in the league, and it should be good to get back to batting and bowling against a few old faces.

"I got the offer in October, I had a couple of other offers, but I just thought that I wanted to take up the challenge.

"It's a different league, a different standard, and a challenge that I am really looking forward to.

"I think getting into the pro-ing side of things is an added pressure - but it is a pressure I am really looking forward to. Hopefully, I can take it on and handle it.

"Northern was the turning point in my career, and I have left on really good terms to try and better myself. The league will not be quite as good, and the wickets aren't quite as good, but it will be a new challenge. I don't mean that to sound disrespectful either, but that will be the challenge in itself.

"I want to do well for Atherton and hopefully that can progress my career into playing in the first team regularly for Lancashire."

The Howe Bridge club, who finished eighth in the league last term, start their season with a tough trip to Spring View on Saturday.

Spring View lost only six games last season and are one of the favourites again this summer after signing Baz Khan as professional. Khan scored 1,000 runs and took 80 wickets in a stunning season for Standish that ended in Cross Cup glory.

"I think Spring View will be up there because they have signed Baz Khan who has played Test cricket," said Mullaney, pictured. "They have also signed a couple of good amateurs from the leagues.

"They will be favourites, but we play them first game, and there's not a better time to play them. We need to hit the ground running when we face them."

Mullaney, however, admits his main ambition is to become a permanent fixture in the Lancashire team, and that may impact on his appearances for the club.

"Hopefully I won't be playing that much because I want to be in the one-day team," he said. "Realistically I will be starting in the second team at Lancs and then if I can push up to the firsts that would be great."

Mullaney is one of four Lancashire players who come from the Bolton area, and he is hoping there is more to come from the cricketing hotbed.

"On the Lancs staff are myself, Karl Brown, Saj Mahmood and Gareth Cross from the Bolton area. Saj has gone on to play for England, which is great for the local area," he said. "There are a few more lads on the Academy from our area - it would be good to see them progress on to the staff, and who knows, maybe we will see another England player from Bolton."

One man who will be keeping close tabs on Mullaney will be his Red Rose team-mate Brown, who will be the Milnrow pro in the Central Lancashire League. The 19-year-old came through the ranks at Atherton.

"I've been close to club since I was young," said Brown. "I didn't have a lot to do with the move but it will be a good opportunity. It's a great club and I hope he does well."