kevin sharp says worcestershire paceman dillon pennington will reap the benefits of his first winter of full-time training with the county.
pennington, who signed his first professional contract with the county earlier this year, will report back with the rest of the worcestershire squad on november 12 for fitness training.
but the 19-year-old will still continue with his studies at the city of worcester university where he has been undertaking a scholarship along with fellow paceman pat brown.
pennington broke into the first team during the 2018 campaign and provided evidence of his potential, particularly against yorkshire at scarborough at surrey at New Road.
head coach sharp said: “dillon is with us full-time and will benefit from that.
“he is a big strong boy and will be even stronger come next march after working with ross dewar (strengthening and conditioning coach).
“the lads coming through are big positives and lads like dillon (pennington) will have learnt so much from his first team experiences.
“you don’t expect really full on consistency from lads at that age. they will have a good day and a not so good day.
“but dillon showed the sort of things he is capable of like his spells to a world class player like kane williamson at scarborough.”
sharp added: “he is carrying on his university work and i think it is important because, if you are not going overseas for the winter to play cricket, there is a lot of down time.
“you can only practice for so long in a day and i really do like the idea of lads challenging their mind and doing things and keeping active mentally.”