Andrew Gale is confident Yorkshire can get the best out of imminent signing Liam Plunkett.

Plunkett’s capture on a long-term deal from Durham will soon be rubber-stamped after a frustrating two seasons for the former England fast bowler, with him joining Jack Brooks as a new recruit at Headingley.

The 27-year-old has only played three County Championship matches in the last two years due to injury and loss of form.

“I think the club are very close to making an announce-ment, although it’s not a done deal yet,” said Gale, an ex-England Lions team-mate of Plunkett’s. “Things have not worked out for him over the last few years but you don’t play Test cricket for England and be a bad cricketer. He’s got stacks of ability.

“In my eyes it’s a role that we’ve struggled with over the last few years since Tim Bresnan’s been in the England side – that all-round spot batting at seven and eight. Liam Plunkett fits the bill. With a fresh start and working alongside Jason Gillespie, I’m confident we can get the best out of him.”

Meanwhile, Yorkshire’s 15-man squad fly out to Johannesburg today for their Champions League t20 campaign minus Jonny Bairstow, who has been ruled out with a wrist injury picked up during England duty.