MICHAEL Beard, Thame Town's 15-year-old all-rounder, is being tipped for a bright future after impressing for Gloucestershire's second team.

The talented youngster took 2-11 last week against a Nottinghamshire side, which included former New Zealand all-rounder Andre Adams plus first team regulars Andy Harris, Matthew Wood and Will Jefferson.

Beard, who still plays for Oxfordshire Under 15s, has more than held his own in the Home Counties Premier League this season.

Gloucestershire Academy director and batting coach Owen Dawkins said: "Michael started working with our junior academy this winter as part of Oxfordshire's emerging players' pro- gramme.

"He worked hard throughout the winter and trained with us.

"Michael received coaching from Steve Kirby, Jon Lewis and Craig Spearman and has progressed really well."

Beard is following in the footsteps of another Oxon youngster, 16-year- old Jack Taylor, who is also part of the Gloucestershire Academy.

"Jack made our second team last year as a 15-year-old, but it is unusual," said Dawkins. "We really try to bring the youngsters on.

"To make his debut at that age is a great achievement.

"He has real potential for the future.

"He batted at No 6 for us against Glamorgan recently and is already a genuine all-rounder at this level."

Two other Oxfordshire youths, Harry Smith and Jamie Coles, took part in Gloucestershire's winter programme.