GLOUCESTERSHIRE'S loan pace bowlers Andrew Harris and David Wigley have both returned to their parent clubs after their stay at Nevil Road was cut short.

That could mean an opportunity for Thornbury's Anthony Ireland to claim back his place in the side for the Liverpool Victoria County Championship division two match against Middlesex at Bristol starting tomorrow.

Harris has a side strain and so will return to Nottinghamshire, while Wigley has been recalled by Northamptonshire and has taken the wicket of Graeme Hick in day one of their County Championship match today.

Gloucestershire captain Jon Lewis said: "Whilst it is disappointing to lose these bowlers it does again give opportunity to those players in our own squad to stand up and be counted."

Chief executive Tom Richardson was also disappointed but said the county will look to use the system again in order to bolster their bowling attack.

He said: "It is really disappointing to lose both these players.

"It is clearly not the result we were seeking and on this occasion we failed.

"However, the principle of signing players on loan remains a good one and we will continue to look again to find suitable reinforcements for part, or the whole, of the remaining season."