Worker asked to put in his first shift for Saltires

GEORGE Worker last night reckons his Saltires call-up will mean a new high in his career. The big-hitting New Zealander received the summons from Scots officials for the second phase of the Clydesdale Bank40 campaign and he will make his debut against Northamptonshire Steelbacks tomorrow at the Citylets Grange.

Coach Peter Steindl brought SMRH pro Worker into his plans after original summer signing Luke Butterworth was forced to fly home to Australia for national squad training.

And the talented youngster, who starred for the Kiwis in the Under-19 World Cup, beamed: "This is a tremendous opportunity to play at a higher level.

"I was told a few weeks ago after the international trial game at Uddingston that there was a chance of me being involved in the Scotland set up. I managed to score a century in that match and I am delighted that things have worked out this way."

Worker, who will also fill the role of mid-innings bowler, went on: "My aim is to score more runs for the Saltires - and keep things tight with the ball. The most important thing is for the team to earn their first victory in this season's competition and I would be thrilled to play a part in that."

Worker will also figure in Monday's tussle with Warwickshire, also in Edinburgh. Scotland's remaining games in the Clydesdale Bank40 are against Leicestershire and Hampshire at Aberdeen on 13 and 14 August, before rounding off the schedule against Hampshire at the Rose Bowl in Southampton.