WORCESTERSHIRE have launched their hunt for two overseas players for next season.

Director of Cricket Tom Moody is spearheading the search for two 'quality' performers now the limit has been increased to two per county.

Moody said the New Road club's bid to recruit suitable players was now 'well under way'.

This year the County have had Australian star Andy Bichel on their books, but he is now back home because of international duties and is highly unlikely to return next year.

Moody said: "There is no point in signing a player unless they are going to strengthen the squad, so we are looking for players of real quality.

"Aside from the qualities they bring as a player you have to be certain they have the personal qualities needed and the character and personality required to make a positive influence in the dressing room.

"We have been extremely fortunate in the past with players like Glenn McGrath, Andy Bichel, Allan Donald and now Shane Lee, so whoever we do bring in comes here knowing they have some tough acts to follow."

Moody believes a lot of county coaches will be looking to find talented, young and up-and-coming players from around the world to fill next year's overseas spots.

He said: "These players are less likely to be called away during the season and if you are lucky you could enjoy the benefits of having the next McGrath, Warne or Tendulkar at your club.

"The other possibility is to go to the other extreme and look to the more experienced and established international performers at the other end of their careers looking for one last lucrative pay-day.

"There is a likelihood of a number of players in this category retiring after the World Cup in South Africa and we have already seen Gloucestershire sign Jonty Rhodes for next season and Mark Waugh could well be at Essex next year."