NIEL Bredenkamp is hoping to make the the cricket world sit up and take notice of him.

The young Church professional is in his first spell in England as a paid man and is hoping both the South African cricket authorities and the English coaches are keeping tabs on his progress.

"My dream has always been to play county cricket in England," said Bredenkamp, who turns 21 later this month.

"In county cricket in this country, you can play against a lot of experienced internationals from all over the world.

"There are also different conditions and it is something I have always wanted to do.

"My friend who plays at Chorley, Friedel de Wet, has been picked to play for Lancashire seconds and I have just to hope that I can play well and would love to get noticed."

While that is one thing to keep his eye on, his main aim is to impress the cricket authorities back home.

"I want to make the South African National Academy for next summer as it is something that looks good on your CV.

"I am also looking to get into the Lions squad and then perhaps aim for South Africa A. I am just taking it all step by step at the moment."

Bredenkamp already had an impressive enough CV to make Church go for a young professional, tipped for a bright future in the game.

And the South African believes spending his first summer in England will help him go further in his cricket career - even though Church aren’t up challenging for honours.

He is considered more a batsman back home at his club North West but his bowling skills have been called upon at Church.

"It has been a really good experience coming here," said Bredenkamp, who has got 31 wickets so far. "I am learning a lot about the wickets and conditions and I have learned to be patient, especially where the batting is concerned.

"It has taken me time to settle in but I am pleased with the wickets I have taken and I am just trying to increase my speed and work on my run-up.

"When I get back home, to be selected for the various sides, it may help me that I can get runs - but that I can also bowl a bit too."

Bredenkamp spoke to a number of people before making the move to England and it is everything he expected.

"The Lancashire League is a tough league, the standard of professionals are very high and a lot of time it is pro against pro and, if you do not do well, everyone looks at you.

"But when you do do well, it boosts the confidence of the whole team and everyone is positive. It is pressure in a way but I expected that."

Church have had a hit and miss season but, after being close to the bottom earlier on in the campaign, they have moved towards mid-table and now want to string a set of results together to move into the top half.

"We have a young side at Church but there is a lot of talent here," continued Bredenkamp. "We do all stay positive although it is obviously disappointing when we lose but we know we will improve and this team will get better year by year.

"And I know the Lancashire League is a very good standard and it is a good test. Some of the pros are outstanding.

"Rishton’s professional Saaed Anwar Junior is a brilliant player. I think he has hit a century against us so I am looking forward to playing against him this weekend - I might get my revenge!

"But he is a phenomenal player and I have just to make sure I keep concentrating and do my best."

The Rishton paid man is topping the runs scored charts with 836 runs while Bredenkamp has 368 league runs.

But he is aiming to double it and get close to the 1000 run-mark by September.

"It is about halfway through the season so, if I can finish with about 900/950, I will be happy especially taking into consideration it is my first season in this league," he said.

"I would be delighted if we could put a bit of a run together for a top five finish - it would be phenomenal to do that as, I have to admit, we did have a rubbish start."

While it is pressure on the field, Bredenkamp keeps himself busy off it with nets and going to the gym.

"There are also some South African pros around like Blake Snymans at Colne and, in the Central Lancashire League, Rudolph Kieser is at Littleborough, and I hang out with them about once a week which stops me getting homesick and it is nice to meet up."

He has also been to Old Trafford to watch Lancashire and become a tourist with trips to London and Edinburgh.

"I enjoy the sight seeing and looking around the country although I enjoy the weekends best and playing cricket - it is what I love doing."