Glen Smith to return with him to England next year to take up a pro career.

Gibbons, who made an immediate impact in his first season with English side Halesowen in the Birmingham League, had initially said he would be back on the Island during the off-season looking for a young fast bowler to take with him.

St. David's paceman Dale Fox had been mentioned as a possibility as was Terry Burgess of Hamilton Parish.

But Smith's impressive batting this season could not be overlooked. The Bailey's Bay middle order bat was in prolific form this year, amassing over 900 runs for his club.

"He (Gibbons) told me that he's not seen anybody in the Island bat as well as me and I should make it a long way,'' said Smith, who also mixes gentle medium pace and spin as a part-time bowler. "I'm really excited about getting this opportunity.

"It's been my dream for a long time (to play professionally). And I've always wanted to play in England.'' Loaded with potential, the only question mark surrounding the 20-year-old is his attitude on and off the field. Smith agreed he will have to `grow up' if he is to fulfill his promise.

"It's true that I'm going to have to mature a lot more and be prepared to learn things.

"But I think I'll do pretty good once I get settled. I'll have to change my batting style and tone down my aggressiveness.

"Hopefully my starting off with a small club will lead to getting hooked up with a bigger one.'' Smith regards Middlesex as his favourite English County side, a team containing West Indian test player Desmond Haynes. And he would dearly love to get picked up by them or any other county club.

Ironically, it was the north London club -- specifically their coach Clive Radley -- that offered Smith trials previously while he was on tour with the Bermuda Ambassadors as a 16-year-old. However, the offer was turned down due to his studying abroad at the time.

Nevertheless, for now he will have to try to solidify a spot and make an impact at Halesowen, which despite Gibbons' heroics finished in the lower part of their division last season.

Also he will need to make the transition to the slower English wickets and the atmospheric conditions which causes balls to swing a bit more than they might do locally.

Said Smith: "The conditions are much better there than here in Bermuda. The wickets are true and you get an even bounce.

"Everything about the game is better there, even the players are more dedicated.'' Smith's acceptance in the Birmingham League could lead to other youngsters being able to pursue professional careers overseas and bolster Bermuda's standing in the cricket world.

GLEN SMITH -- set to join Noel Gibbons as a pro in England.

NOEL GIBBONS -- impressed with Smith.