Shane Warne has tipped Nic Pothas to play for England this year - but the Hampshire wicketkeeper doubts he will qualify before the end of the 2007 county season.
Johannesburg-born Pothas plays for Hampshire as a non-overseas player by virtue of a Greek passport and can apply for British citizenship in March.
Warne reckons the 33-year-old will be in serious contention for an England place when his application is granted.
He said: "Chris Read is a fantastic wicketkeeper who made a couple of catches for himself and hardly any mistakes but I wouldn't be surprised if Hampshire lose Nic to the Test side next summer".
However, Pothas doubts he will be granted citizenship in time to play against the West Indies and India this summer, although he may win a place on the tour of Sri Lanka at the end of the year.
Full Pothas interview: Don't miss today's Daily Echo.
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