NEWPORT’S Will Smale is determined to push for more Glamorgan action after earning a two-year professional contract.

The 22-year-old was called into the line-up for the T20 Blast line-up because of a raft of injuries and grasped his opportunity.

The former Rougemont School pupil made his debut at the Oval against Surrey, scoring 27 off 16 balls, and made four more appearances.

The wicket-keeper batsman, who previously played for Gloucestershire and Somerset seconds, will now link-up with Glamorgan in pre-season with a view to earning more opportunities in the middle.

“I’m delighted to sign my first professional contract at Glamorgan,” said Smale, brother of Oval Invincibles, Western Storm and England Under-19s spinner Sophia.

“Having played through the Welsh age group pathway it’s amazing to run out at Sophia Gardens and represent Glamorgan.

“Making my debut earlier this year at the Oval against Surrey was an incredible experience and one that I hope will help me as I look to put in some meaningful performances over the next two years and beyond.

“We have a great group of guys in the changing room and I want to be able to come into the side with the goal of contributing to their success on the field in the future.

“I’ve worked hard to get to this point so I’d like to thank everyone that has helped me to get here - mainly my Grandpa (Malcolm Price, a Newport stalwart) who encouraged me to pick up a cricket bat from a very young age.

“This is everything I’ve always wanted and now my full focus is on working hard to keep developing my game and hopefully making an impact at the start of next season.”

Director of cricket Mark Wallace said: “Will has thoroughly earned his first professional contract through hard work and consistent improvement through Pathway, University and second XI cricket.

“We’re looking forward to what he can bring to the squad and to seeing him develop further over the next few seasons.”