FORMER Ramsbottom professional Ian Harvey has been invited to return to Gloucestershire next season as the county's overseas player, provided he first proves his fitness.

Victorian all-rounder Harvey, whose precise medium-pace bowling was a feature of Gloucestershire's triumphs in this year's Benson and Hedges Super Cup and NatWest Trophy, is being offered a new one-year contract.

Gloucestershire chief executive Colin Sexstone said: "He has been a superb one-day bowler but we are confident he can score a lot more runs next year."

Harvey, who was professional at Acrre Bottom last summer, said: "I have really enjoyed myself this year and have been pleased to help the club win two trophies."

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