Worcestershire bowling coach Matt Mason believes all-rounder Ross Whiteley can become an important member of the county's attack and said: "He has certainly got the ability."
Mason feels Whiteley is capable of showing the qualities he has demonstrated in the nets and practice matches with the ball and it is just a case of building up the confidence of the former Derbyshire player.
There were encouraging signs during Worcestershire's pre-season tour of Abu Dhabi for Whiteley who has been playing club cricket this winter for Prospect CC in Australia.
Mason, who is also Worcestershire's assistant coach, said: It's all about confidence with Ross. We are trying to rebuild his confidence.
"He is a fantastic bowler in my opinion and, when he gets it right, he is one of the nicest bowlers I've ever kept to in the practice-warm-up sessions.
"He has a beautiful seam presentation, lively pace, swings the ball, and is a left armer, something different.
"It is just transferring his abilities we've seen in net practice and in warm-ups in the middle to match situations and that's just confidence with Ross which we are building on all the time.
"The signs in Abu Dhabi were very good and I certainly hope he will make more contributions with the ball."
Whiteley made the move to New Road midway through the 2013 campaign and is preparing for his second full season with the county after leaving Derbyshire.
Mason added: "As is often the case with all-rounders, if some clubs or coaches feel you are stronger in one area then they ignore the other.
"With an all-round cricketer, you need to spend more time than most perfecting both skills.
"Ross can bowl, there is no doubt about that. He just needs to believe it. I certainly believe in him as do most of his team-mates.
"There is not an issue there. He just needs to start performing. Hopefully this year is the year."
