My future is secured down here and I can look ahead to a great season Chris Silverwood

Chris Silverwood, one of three fast bowlers signed by Middlesex, believes no other side will be able to match their new-look attack this summer.

The former Yorkshire star told BBC London: "One thing you have to do is take 20 wickets. We have the bowling attack to do that week in, week out.

"If we can do that consistently we can definitely win some silverware."

Silverwood comes in along with Johann Louw from Northamptonshire and Mohammad Ali, formerly of Derbyshire.

It means that last year's overworked strike bowler, Alan Richardson, should have better support.

And Kiwi all-rounder Scott Styris should also be used more sparingly.

Silverwood was glad to have secured his move from Headingley, which involved lengthy negotiations between the two clubs.

He said: "It's a big relief to get things tied up now. I know my future is secured down here and I can look ahead to a great season.

"Everything's been done very amicably with Yorkshire. I've not fallen out with anybody up there and Middlesex have been very patient with it.

Possibly we are still lacking a world-class spinner Ed Joyce

"It's like a new challenge for me now. I'm like a kid with my new toy at the moment.

"It will be fantastic and hopefully allow me to bang on the door for international honours again."

Silverwood is still trying to get used to the new environment in London NW8.

"Lord's - what a great ground to call home. I still look at it and think, Wow!

"The whole squad looks great. Inevitably you're going to get injuries but there are some good young players coming through here.

"The batting really takes care of itself and hopefully we can match that with the ball.

Star batsman Ed Joyce, one of Silverwood's new team-mates, sees only one chink in Middlesex's armour.

He said: "Possibly we are still lacking a world-class spinner which might play against us in the four-day stuff but I would like to think we can win at least one competiton.

"We are definitely in line for top three in the Championship and if the weather goes our way, if edges get caught we have a very good chance to win it."