Derbyshire confirm Tom Poynton as first-choice keeper

Poynton has so far played 19 first-team games for Derbyshire

Derbyshire have confirmed that Tom Poynton will be their first-choice wicketkeeper next summer following the retirement of Luke Sutton.

Head coach Karl Krikken has publicly backed the 22-year-old in order to end speculation about the club looking to sign a new keeper.

"Tom has been earmarked as a Derbyshire wicketkeeper of the future for several years," said Krikken.

"He is now ready to become our number one for the position."

Krikken added: "He has demonstrated smooth glovework since his time on the academy."

Poynton made his first-team debut for the county when he was only 17 and went on to play for England's Under-19 team.

He has also been working to develop his batting and hit two hundreds for the second XI during the 2011 season.

His promotion follows 35-year-old Sutton's decision last week to retire from the first-class game with immediate effect, in part because of an ongoing problem with depression.

"Although as a professional sportsman it is extremely embarrassing to admit to a weakness, I'm proud to have found the strength of character to seek treatment, enabling me now to feel extremely positive about my future," he explained.