Gloucestershire director of cricket John Bracewell expects his side to get out of Division Two in 2011 despite having to rely on youngsters.

Bracewell has lost Somerset-bound duo Steve Kirby and Gemaal Hussain, Anthony Ireland to Middlesex and Will Porterfield to Warwickshire.

But he remains optimistic, admitting: "I think we can achieve promotion.

"We've got young players who are not carrying baggage and are fearless," he told BBC Points West.

"Sometimes, if you spend too much time in the second division you get caught up in the second division mentality.

"We've had a reasonably mature side over the last two seasons who have failed to get us across the line and that's the reality of it.

"They should have been more productive than they were."

To have someone like Muralitharan who simply never shuts up about cricket and have him sharing that space with 18 to 20 year olds is something I couldn't let go by. John Bracewell

The New Zealander's optimism is fuelled by the signing of fellow countryman Kane Williamson who has just helped the Black Caps to a World Cup semi-final.

Not to mention that of the world's leading wicket taker Muttiah Muralitharan, who will play in the FP t20.

"There are very, very few players in the world that infect a dressing room," said Bracewell.

"And there are very few players in the world you can afford to get into your dressing room to affect it.

"To have someone like Muralitharan who simply never shuts up about cricket and have him sharing that space with 18 to 20 year olds is something I couldn't let go by.

"We happened to have a "johnny-on-the-spot" in Sri Lanka who called him directly and he was delighted to come here and help a young team on their journey."

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