an Wardlaw, the Yorkshire pace bowler, looks likely to be fast-tracked into Scotland's World Cup qualifying double- header against Afghanistan.

The 27-year-old is one of six county-based players cleared to join the Saltires under the ICC's new parentage rule and he has already made an impact during Scotland's opening nets sessions of the winter.

"Ian has a bit more pace than anything we have so he could certainly add something to our attack," said Pete Steindl, the head coach. "He has shown a great desire to represent Scotland, as have all the new guys."

Wardlaw was unavailable for the tour to South Africa last October during which Richard Coughtrie, of Gloucestershire, Sussex's Matt Machan, David Murphy of Northamptonshire and Leicestershire's Rob Taylor all featured.

Steindl has yet to look at Neil Carter, the former Warwickshire all-rounder now back in his native South Africa. Carter, though, is available along with the other new recruits for games in March against Afghanistan in Sharjah and an Intercontinental Cup game against them in Abu Dhabi. The squad will be announced early next month.