Three-year deal can help me develop – Coughlin

DURHAM all-rounder Paul Coughlin is looking forward to improving his own game and helping the team progress after committing his future to the county.

Coughlin, 23, has signed a new three-year contract having made 21 first-class appearances since his 2012 debut. He said: “I’m extremely proud to play for Durham and believe I can help the club going forward next season.

“It’s nice to have been handed a three-year deal as it gives me time to fully develop my skills and it means I can relax knowing I’ll be at the Emirates Riverside for the long term.”

Chief executive David Harker has no doubt that there is still more to come from Coughlin.

He said: “Paul is an outstanding talent and his signature is an important acquisition for the club.

“He has already captained the club, against Sri Lanka ‘A’ this summer, and we see him as an important part of the club’s future plans.”