GARETH Cross could be the next Bolton wicketkeeper to feature for Lancashire.

The 20-year-old, who played at Bolton Association side Clifton before moving to Leigh Cricket Club, will be understudy to Warren Hegg, who was signed by Lancashire from Tonge in the Bolton League.

Cross joins the Old Trafford squad after long-term reserve, Jamie Haynes, was released by the county.

His promotion follows some promising performances in the Second XI, including a top score of 83.

"It was great news to get a contract," said Cross.

"Playing for Lancashire is something I've always wanted to do. I'll just have to see how things go but hopefully this is the start of a good career.

"I'd only played a few games for the seconds this summer when Jamie was called up to replace Warren in the first team, but things went OK for me."

Gareth has come through the ranks of league cricket in Lancashire and believes it stands him in good stead.

"I've been with Leigh for four years after starting at Clifton. I was only about 12 or 13 when I first joined Clifton but I just wanted to play cricket."

Cross is one of three Clifton wicketkeepers, who have gone on to play for Lancashire, after Chris Scott and Mark Wallwork left the Bolton Association side to play at Old Trafford.

And he follows other local keepers, including Hegg, Scott and Wallwork, who have played county cricket.

Karl Krikken, who has just completed his benefit year with Derbyshire, played at Astley Bridge, Horwich and British Aerospace, while his father Brian played for both Lancashire and Worcestershire. Westhoughton's Billy Farrimond played for Lancashire and England, and Alf Barlow went from Little Lever and played at Old Trafford from 1947 to 1951.

Cross was the Association's Young Player of the Year in 2000 but needed to move on if he was to improve his wicketkeeping skills.

"By the time I'd got into the first team at Clifton, I felt I had achieved as much as I could with them, so I moved to Leigh in the Liverpool Competition.

"It is a competitive league and it has been a good training ground for me where the cricket is tough."

In previous winters he has played grade cricket with St Kilda in Melbourne, but has decided to stay home this time.

"I decided to take some time out and work on my fitness," he said.

"Pre-season will start around December, and the younger lads who aren't playing overseas will probably spend quite a lot of time working in the gym."

And Cross isn't getting carried away by his opportunity, even though if Hegg gets an injury next season he will be in line to make his first-class debut.

"I've not really spoke to anyone about next summer. The club just told me they were looking to sign a young wicketkeeper with an eye on the future.

"Hopefully I can be part of that future at Old Trafford."