Northants head coach David Capel has defended his policy of recruiting Kolpak players this season.

The England and Wales Cricket Board wants to limit the number of foreign players in county cricket.

Capel told BBC Radio Northampton: "We need to make sure the culture and environment is positive, competitive and we get some wins.

"But the main reason is in the medium to long term they are helping younger academy players to come through."

The Kolpak ruling allows players from countries with associate trade agreements with the European Union - such as South Africa - to be treated as non-overseas players.

Warwickshire coach Ashley Giles, also a Test selector, described sides like Northants, who currently have five Kolpak players and an overseas player, as "lazy counties" jeopardising the future prospects of the national side.

Capel added: "We've already seen an upturn in performance from some of our English players. I'm proud of the players we have coming through. It wouldn't be worth them coming in to a mediocre side.''

Capel added that next season the number of Kolpak players in his side will be reduced.