FORMER Kent wicketkeeper Niall O’Brien is returning to his old stomping ground to sharpen his glovework ahead the up-coming World Cup.

The 25-year-old Irishman, who was released by Kent in September after two seasons on the county staff, will be working with Kent Academy director Paul Farbrace this week ahead of a busy international schedule for Ireland.

He said: "All the Ireland side have individual fitness programmes throughout the winter, we’re in the gym four times a week and have training camps almost every weekend.

"Part of my programme is to come over to Kent to work with 'Farby' for four days. We’re off to South Africa on January 7 and don’t return home until after the World Cup on March 7.

"First we have training in South Africa and then travel to Kenya to play in a qualifying tournament ahead of the 2008 Twenty20 World Cup.

"After that, we play two games in Dubai to take on the United Arab Emirates, after which we go to the Caribbean for the World Cup."

O’Brien is also hoping to sell his services to another county club, with Northamptonshire showing an early interest.

O’Brien added: "If I can get a gig at Northamptonshire, then I hope to prove to Kent what I’m really made of."