Onions is being encouraged to make his comeback in slow time

Durham head coach Geoff Cook has said fast bowler Graham Onions will not be rushed back into action as he recovers from a heel injury.

"We've got a lot of cricket coming up and we don't want to increase the injury by bringing him back too early," he told BBC Radio Newcastle.

"His injury can take a long time to heal but he'll be looking to get in a bit of practice over the next few days.

"Other players have bowled well and are ready to step in if need be."

Warwickshire director of cricket Ashley Giles confirmed earlier in the week that he had contacted Durham in a bid to sign Onions for next season.

Meanwhile, Cook also revealed that Durham's England bowler Liam Plunkett is recovering well from his rib injury and could be in line for a return to the side.

"He's doing a little bit of bowling in the next couple of days," he said.

"The plan is for him to play some league cricket on Saturday, a bit of bowling and some batting and then for him to play in the Second XI down at Surrey.

"If he comes through that then hopefully he'll be available for the Twenty20 when that competition starts."

Durham travel to Hove to face Sussex in the County Championship on Friday 30 May.