O'Brien (left) and Wessels both impressed with the bat in 2008

Northants have agreed contract extensions with wicketkeeper-batsmen Niall O'Brien and Riki Wessels.

Ireland international O'Brien, 26, has been rewarded for being named the county's player of the year for 2008 with a new three-year deal.

And 22-year-old Wessels, son of former South Africa captain Kepler, has agreed a two-year extension at Wantage Road.

"We are pleased by the commitment shown by the pair, who both shone with the bat in 2008," said a club statement.

"Niall, who has just returned from international duty, was in sensational form last season with the bat, scoring over 850 championship runs and piling on the runs in one-day competitions in a new pinch-hitter role.

"Riki finished the 2008 season with almost 600 championship runs and his brilliant form led him to becoming one of the most reliable batsmen in the latter half of the season."

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