Nottinghamshire all-rounder Paul Franks hopes Luke Fletcher and Andy Carter will accept additional responsibility in the absence of Ryan Sidebottom next season.

Fletcher has been left out of the Nottinghamshire team to face Lancashire in the final LV= County Championship match of the season whilst Carter has been sidelined with a back injury since returning from a loan-spell at Essex where he caught the eye.

Notts remain in pursuit of new signings having missed out on Gloucestershire bowler Steve Kirby who has opted to join Somerset after talks with both clubs.

“Mick is very shrewd and clued-in when it comes to recruiting players but he’s always had one eye on the future with the players that have been developed at Trent Bridge,” said Franks.

“We’ve been linked with some quality players which is great to hear and we’re disappointed to have missed out on Steve Kirby who is a proven performer.

“Being competitive in all three competitions requires good depth and that may mean that we need to sign players but there are people in the squad who can step up and a lot rests on how players like Luke Fletcher and Andy Carter grasp their opportunities.”