Dave Nosworthy unfazed by Somerset's trophy pressure

Director of cricket Dave Nosworthy has said he will not make any promises on Somerset winning the County Championship this season.

Somerset have never won the title and finished second to Warwickshire in Division One last year.

"It's obviously a focus for us but I'm no magician - I'm not making any promises," said Nosworthy, who replaced Brian Rose in the summer.

"But there has been a really good process in place to date."

In recent times Somerset have become known as the nearly-men of county cricket, having been runners-up in the FL t20, CB40 and Division One on six occasions in the last three years.

And Nosworthy added: "We're really close, but we need to know how to get over the line.

"There's no exact answer. It will just take a bit of polishing."

Former England batsman Rose decided to step down last summer after eight years at the helm.

Somerset is Nosworthy's first venture in the English game, having previously held roles at Highveld Lions in his native South Africa, as well as the 'A' teams in his homeland.

He has spent the last month working with his new squad and told BBC Points West: "I don't believe there's massive moves to make, only little tweaks.

"Hopefully that will do the job but if not, then we'll have to look at bigger moves."

One dilemma facing Nosworthy is choice of wicketkeeper, with England internationals Jos Buttler and Craig Kieswetter battling for the gloves.

Kieswetter has been first-choice for the county but poor performances with the bat saw him replaced by Buttler for England's one-day and Twenty20 internationals on the tour to New Zealand.

The England selectors are keen for Buttler to gain more experience as keeper at domestic level, but Nosworthy has favoured Kieswetter in their pre-season friendlies against Gloucestershire and Middlesex.

"It's a nice issue to have," said Nosworthy. "They're both quality players and if we are smart about using them strategically in different games then we'll be able to get the best out of them.

"At the same time, we need to make sure they are able to progress their own careers.

"Craig's already been there and needs to get back to the next level. Hopefully they can be servants to England cricket once again."