WORCESTERSHIRE chief executive Mark Newton says that it is tougher than ever to sign an overseas players despite the fact that new rules restrict one per county.

In past seasons counties have been allowed to sign two overseas players, however, when the campaign gets underway in April clubs will only be able to have one on their books.

And despite the perceived extra talent being available, the New Road chief feels that this winter has been the most difficult to find the right kind of player to bolster their squad.

"International calendars are so packed these days and they change all the time, you never know who is going to be available and when," he said.

"Plus a lot of the international players are on lucrative central contracts and that means that the county circuit is not as appealing as it once was.

"And then there is the fact that some boards do not want their players playing county cricket - just look at Pakistan."

The 2007 NatWest Pro40 champions had hoped to bring Pakistan fast bowler Umar Gul to New Road for the start of the new season, however, back injuries and the Pakistan Cricket Board's refusal to allow key players to join the county circuit, meant director of cricket Steve Rhodes decided to turn his attentions elsewhere just before Christmas.

And with the festive season now over, Newton says that the search for an overseas player has intensified.

The county have already been linked with a move for Australian seamer Nathan Bracken with the player looking to increase his chances of a recall to the Baggy Green Test squad, however, he is one of the first name to be pencilled in for the one-day contingent which would severely restrict his availability for the 2008 season.

"There are still a number of countries who are to name squads for the tours in March and April so there is a case of waiting until then," Newton explained.

"But we always said that the search would intensify in the New Year. We are talking to agents all the time to see who is interested in playing county cricket.

"The situation could change in the space of 24 hours, but I would like to think that it would be sorted by the end of the month, although I think that would be unlikely.

"It is just a case of making sure we get it right."

Newton also said that it would be unlikely that the County would bring back Australian quick Doug Bollinger despite his impressive displays in the Pura Cup for New South Wales.

The 26-year-old Australia A' international is the leading bowler in this year's competition taking 34 wickets in five matches at an average of 14.44 and that is a stark contrast to his 16 LV County Championship wickets at 44.56 in seven games.

"It's clear to see that Doug is a quality bowler from what he has done back home in Australia, but for some reason it just didn't work out for him here," Newton added. "While you never say never, I think that it would be too much of a gamble to bring him back."