NEW Dorset recruit Jigar Naik insists he is aiming to “make a difference” as the club’s professional during the upcoming season.

The former Leicestershire off-spinner is also looking forward to the challenge that lies ahead for him in working with the county’s young talent.

The 32-year old’s signing was announced by the Minor Counties outfit on Friday with Dorset skipper Chris Park telling Echosport it is a “massive bonus” to have the former Foxes’ man on board.

Naik, who is currently doing his level three coaching qualification, played in the Leicestershire side that won the English domestic T20 crown in 2011.

And after featuring in such a pressured environment, the experienced county cricketer is keen to make his mark on the Minor Counties structure this summer.

He told Echosport: “I enjoy pressure. I feel I usually play better with pressure on me.

“I am looking to bring that stability in the middle order with the batting and will obviously do a lot of bowling as well, alongside the likes of Thommo (Sam Thomson).

“I just believe that, if there is no pressure on any game it makes you relax, and take it too easy.

“I am obviously looking to put in performances, it might not always happen but that’s part and parcel of the game that we play.”

As well as looking to star on the field for Dorset in the summer, Naik, who has taken 170 wickets in 77 first-class matches in total, is hoping to be a mentor for those younger members of the Dorset set-up.

He added: “It’s something I am really looking forward to. There are lot of youngsters there that need to be nurtured in some way or another.

“From looking at the results, the talent is there, it’s just the guidance on the field that is needed a little bit. I really feel I can help in that department.

“I had a few Minor Counties clubs interested to be honest but I wanted to go somewhere that I could make a difference, rather than just turn up and play.”

He continued: “The policy that Dorset have at the minute of playing mostly locals is something I’m a massive fan of, in bringing up your own players through the county.

“That’s something I really enjoy as part of Dorset’s plan and it’s something I want to promote.

“Obviously I am from outside of Dorset but I want to work with the county’s youngsters and develop local players rather than the Minor County having players from all over the country.”