Neil Johnson, who has just signed as Sion Mills' professional for the season, will be Ireland's overseas player in the Benson & Hedges Cup campaign, the Irish Cricket Union announced yesterday. Johnson, 28, thus follows in the footsteps of South Africa's Hansie Cronje who helped Ireland to an historic victory over Middlesex in the competition last season.

"Neil can bat anywhere in the first five, he is a first-class all-rounder and his extensive experience will be a help to our players," said Ireland's coach Mike Hendrick yesterday. Johnson, a left-hand bat who bowls right-arm fast-medium, played for Leicestershire last season when he scored two County Championship centuries - 150 against Lancashire and 117 not out against Kent - while his best bowling was 3 for 45 against Surrey in the Sunday League.

He was born in Zimbabwe but played most of his cricket in South Africa, first with Eastern Province and for the past five years with Natal. Johnson has also represented South Africa A.

Ireland's first Benson & Hedges Cup match is against Glamorgan at Castle Avenue on May 1st. The other matches are against Essex on May 4th at Chemsford and Middlesex at Lord's on May 5th.