Derbyshire target Richard Jones signs new Worcestershire deal

Worcestershire have brushed aside interest from Derbyshire by signing paceman Richard Jones on a two-year contract extension.

Stourbridge-born Jones, 25, who has come through the ranks at New Road, is now tied to the county until 2014.

"There was a little bit of interest from elsewhere but nothing serious," Jones told BBC Hereford & Worcester.

"I'm glad to get it sorted so I can concentrate on cricket for the rest of the season and trying to keep us up."

He added: "It's a special place to play cricket. I've been here since I was nine years old and I've got a lot of friends here.

"We have a young squad and a great dressing room atmosphere and I'm excited to be a part of that for at least the next two years."

Worcestershire coach Steve Rhodes said: "We are delighted that Richard has taken the decision to extend his contract with Worcestershire.

"Richard is a home-grown talent who has come through our academy system, made a good start to his first-class career and continues to improve."

Even before he made his first-class debut in 2007, Jones was close to not making it all when he suffered a back injury on England Under-19 duty the previous winter.

After making slow progress, he made a real breakthrough in 2010, taking 48 wickets in just 11 Championship matches to help Worcestershire win promotion to Division One.

He played just six matches last summer but has collected 30 wickets in nine first-class appearances this season, including an impressive 6-32 against title-contenders Nottinghamshire on the opening day of the season.

"I made a good start," he said. "And I've had a few average performances since.

"But it's been a difficult season with the weather and the lack of cricket and not having the chance to get into a rhythm."