Ireland Under-19 star Craig Young gets Sussex deal

Craig Young, who represented Ireland at the Under-19 World Cup, has signed a one-year deal with Sussex. The offer was made following his performance in a bowling camp conducted by the county in Dubai.

"I got news that I was being offered a contract following my time with them [Sussex] in Dubai. I'm delighted, and hopefully it'll work out for me," Young said. "I'll be going over shortly for pre-season, and they'll be in touch with Ireland to see what my likely commitments will be during the summer. After they speak with them, a plan will be drawn up which will hopefully work for everybody."

A new-ball bowler, Young, who plays his cricket for Bready in the NW league, came to the attention of the club's scouts when he took 5 for 22 against Guernsey in the European Under-19 Championships in Jersey last summer.

He travelled over to Sussex for a trial and was invited to the Dubai camp after the Under-19 World Cup in New Zealand in January. Young took nine wickets at an average of 18.44 in the tournament, including a match-winning 4 for 14 in Ireland's seven-wicket win against Zimbabwe.