GLAMORGAN bowler Mike Reed is hoping that an England call-up will help him push to the next level in 2014, writes Chris Kirwan.

The former Usk seamer is one of five prospects named in the Potential England Performance Programme after a promising season at the Swalec Stadium.

The 25-year-old from Loughborough is faced by a rigorous pre-Christmas strength and conditioning programme in his home town before heading to South Africa in January for three weeks of bowling in Potchefstroom.

The 6ft 7ins paceman claimed 38 first-class wickets after producing some stunning early season performances, most notably a five for 27 against Worcestershire.

His year tailed off slightly and Reed hopes his winter call-up will help him claim more scalps next year to provide more assistance to Australian Michael Hogan, who passed a century of wickets in 2013.

"Any kind of international recognition is a great and reward for some strong performances, especially in the first half of the season," said Reed.

"There were some whispers around the club (about the selectors looking at him) but I wasn't taking anything for granted.

"It's a massive opportunity for me to improve as a bowler, I am really excited but the hard work starts now.

"I was pleased with how the season went but I know that I have a lot of improvements to make so that I can become more consistent.

"Hopefully this winter will allow me to do that by getting some bowling stamina and developing my skills.

"I am a long way away from being compared to someone like Michael Hogan but he has a lot of the attributes that I look to incorporate into my game.

"I'm not too far off his pace but he stays in good areas for longer and that is why he is so successful – his consistency of line and length is superb."

Reed's connection to Usk came when he toured south Wales with Loughborough Carillon Old Boys in 2008.

He then played for the club when he moved from Leicestershire to study maths at Cardiff University, following in the footsteps of former world boxing champion Nathan Cleverly, who was a year ahead of him.

"I owe a lot to Usk and in particular (fellow Glamorgan seamer) Huw Waters, who passed my name and number on to the coach Adrian Shaw," said Reed.

"From there I played for Wales Minor Counties and was taken on full-time when I graduated in 2011.

"I've always felt that I've been playing catch-up after coming to professional cricket late. I've only just finished my second full season and I want to make that time up."