Notts Coach Paul Johnson believes that as many as four of the club’s under 15s crop have the potential to play county cricket at Trent Bridge.

Johnson has coached the side to consecutive wins against Cheshire, Lincolnshire and Durham and promising batsman Sam Wood has already featured for Nottinghamshire’s under 17s and Second Eleven.

“Sam Wood has played two match-winning innings for us of 92 and 75 and batted through every ball,” said Johnson

“Dominic Harvey, Adam Dobb and Brett Hutton are probably a year away from making the breakthrough as well but anyone can play their way in by performing well for the age group sides.”

Johnson works closely with Academy Director Chris Tolley, Second XI Manager Wayne Noon and Director of Cricket Mick Newell to nurture young talent at Trent Bridge.

“It’s a long way down the line but all of the lads want to become professional cricketers and I’m hopeful that three or four of the squad will push Mick for a contract in the years to come,” said Johnson.

“The nucleus of the team is made up of academy players who we work hard with throughout the winter and other lads join us for a ten week course of coaching.

“The bowling unit have performed very well and have restricted the opposition and helped our batsmen and the catching and fielding has been exceptional.”

Nottinghamshire under 15s face Shropshire at Farnsfield Cricket Club on Thursday at 11am.