Australia see a big future for Cosgrove

The Welsh county turned to Cosgrove as their overseas batter because Matthew Elliott is injured.

The 21-year-old left-hander was once dropped by South Australia for being overweight and unfit, but was prolific during the 2005-06 season.

"It's a gamble, but Elliott, Mike Kasprowicz and Darren Lehmann rate him highly," Derrick told BBC Sport Wales.

This is a great opportunity for Mark and for us John Derrick

"Lehmann says Mark should be in the Test arena by the end of the summer, you have to listen to these guys," said Derrick.

"Australia rate him highly and are looking for him to play for them in the World Cup and win games there.

"This is a great opportunity for him and for us, he can come here and play county cricket and our one-day tournaments."

Derrick has taken a much more active part in overseas recruitment in recent weeks after adding director of cricket responsibilities to his coaching role.

He admitted the frustrations in trying to find suitable players who will not be ruled out by the ever-increasing demands of the international season.

As well as the late withdrawal of Elliott, Australia pace bowler Kasprowicz told the Welsh county last week that he would not be returning as he wished to concentrate on his Test career.

Derrick has been in talks with New Zealand bowler James Franklin, but the deal is far from being completed.

The Kiwis are on tour in South Africa from early next month to mid-May.