DIRECTOR of cricket Steve Rhodes has revealed his delight at spinner Saeed Ajmal’s remodelled bowling action being deemed legal.

Saeed received clearance this weekend from the ICC for his new-look action after undergoing a biomechanics test in Chennai two weeks ago.

Rhodes has constantly shown his support for Saeed and has stated his desire to re-sign a player for 2015 who picked up 63 wickets in nine LV= Championship matches for the county last season.

He confirmed negotiations have taken place with the Pakistan star and his representatives about a possible return to New Road.

The County chief said: “First of all, I’m delighted for Saeed and I know how hard he has worked with his new action.

“I know how determined he is as a bloke and if anyone was going to put it right, and do everything possible to put it right, then it would be Saeed.

“I’ve backed him, the club have backed him and stuck by him. Now he has passed the test, it is happy days. Hopefully, everything will be straightforward and he will be a Worcestershire player again.

“Now he has passed his test , it means his action is fine and he can bowl and hopefully take plenty of wickets once again for Worcestershire.

“Until the contract is signed, there are always ongoing negotiations but in principle we’re both happy with where we are at, his side of things, his manager and Saeed, and our side of things.

“The other side of things is the Pakistan Cricket Board because they’ve got to issue a No Objection Certificate but we are told by his agent, that is looking good as well.”

Rhodes added: “Of course, there is an element of doubt because he has had to have a change of action.

“But Saeed is a really determined character and a feisty competitor on the field who loves taking wickets and he loves the challenge of batter versus bowler.

“All those things hold him in good stead for performing well even though he has had a change of action. I feel confident his potency will be good.

“With his reputation alone, a batsman will give him respect. If Saeed Ajmal is bowling at any middle order or tail, then there are going to be elements of fear in the opposition batsmen which is what you want.

“I’m sure the top order guys are good players, they will try not to give him too much respect, but he is a natural competitor.”