Discarded West Indies pacer Jermaine Lawson has signed to represent Leicestershire in the English County League.

In a BCC website story yesterday Leicestershire's coach Tim Boon disclosed that Lawson has been signed to strengthen their bowling attack.

The 26-year-old, who played 13 Tests and 13 ODI for the West Indies, was signed despite past problems with his bowling action.

Foxes' head coach Boon told BBC Radio Leicester the bowler was a good signing.

"I'm pretty confident he's fine. He's been bowling for Jamaica. He's going to be a valuable member to our team."

Lawson, who broke onto the international stage by taking six for three against Bangladesh in December 2002, has taken 51 wickets in 13 Test matches.

Lawson has been signed a Kolpak player, where as "a citizen of a country with an associate agreement" with the European Union he has the same rights as a European worker and does not count as an overseas player.

Lawson joined Wavell Hinds as Jamaicans who are signed as Kolpak players.

Kolpak players would have to rescind their contract if they were to accept any future invitation to play for the West Indies.

Lawson could not be reached for comment last night.