"HOPEFULLY I can make an impression, get myself on the pre-season tour and take it from there."

So said North Yorkshire 'comeback kid' Jonny Tattersall after being given a second bite of the cherry by the White Rose county.

The 23-year-old top-order batsman from Harrogate, a former England Under-19 international, made one first-team appearance for Yorkshire in 2013, scoring a duck against Glamorgan in a one-dayer, before being released at the end of 2015.

However, he impressed after being invited back to play in the the second team at the end of 2016 and likewise last season, earning himself a one-year deal for 2018.

Comparisons are now being made with Azeem Rafiq, who was let go by Yorkshire towards the end of 2014 before being re-signed 18 months later to notable success. Off-spinner Rafiq would have liked more rewards in Championship cricket, but his form with the white ball has been nothing short of exceptional.

Tattersall is now hoping for something similar, although he is determined not to put too much pressure on himself as he bids to make the grade at Headingley.

"It was nice to come back, do well and get a contract for next year," said Tattersall, who scored 1,318 second-team runs last year with two centuries and six 50s.

"By the time the season starts I'll have had a full winter's training, and I've just tried to enjoy myself and not look too far ahead, which comes with a one-year contract I guess.

"Hopefully I can make an impression, get myself on the pre-season tour and take it from there."

Tattersall, who has also been working on his little-known wicketkeeping skills this winter, went on: "I'm hitting the ball nicely, which is a good sign.

"The fitness side of things is also massively important.

"I've been to Australia for the last two winters, so I've kind of missed out on that side of things. I'm really enjoying it."

During his time away from Yorkshire, the right-hander impressed in league cricket both at home and abroad - for Harrogate and also for the New Town club in Tasmania.

He also played Minor Counties cricket for Lincolnshire and had a trial with Derbyshire.

"You get to learn a lot about yourself and your game," he said.

"It's not the ideal way of doing it. You don't want to have to leave a county and go somewhere else, but it gives you that life experience. You tend to grow up quicker when things aren't quite going your way.

"It's been a tough challenge, but I'm definitely better for it.

"Hopefully I can push my way into the first team this year.

"I think it's more realistic that it will come in the longer format, but who knows. I've opened the batting in one-day cricket as well, so I'd be happy whichever way it comes."

* Published in association with Yorkshire CCC