HAMPSHIRE captain Robin Smith is confident the right Neil Johnson will turn up - after the Zimbabwean all-rounder was confirmed as the county's overseas player for next season.

Johnson agreed terms on a one-year contract to join Hampshire, who beat off several other counties for a player considered one of the best one-day operators in the world.

The 30-year-old Zimbabwean is a fierce competitor on the field, but has a reputation for ploughing his own furrow, and his decision to quit international cricket at the end of Zimbabawe's tour to England last summer left a sour taste with his team-mates.

Johnson brand of hard-hitting batting and sharp fast-medium pace bowling can certainly beef up Hampshire's prospects in limited overs cricket and Smith said: "He's got great potential but it's up to him how he does.

"We need him to bowl a lot and, if he comes prepared to do that and to take his batting seriously then he will be a great asset to the club.

"I'm delighted with the signing, he's like all South African and Australian players, he has a pride, a strong will to win and a very competitive attitude.

"I have only played against him once and that was during his season with Leicestershire when he smacked us all over the place.

"I think he's the sort of guy you would rather have on your side than playing against you and a lot of our chances next summer will revolve around the input he's prepared to make.

Johnson topped Leices-tershire's batting averages in his sole season in county championship cricket to date.

And he will find himself joining up with old Grace Road team-mate Alan Mullally this summer, giving smith an insight into the Zimbabwean's character.

"He's a very close friend of Alan Mullally's and I respect his opinion of people," said Smith.

Hampshire coach Jimmy Cook described Johnson's arrival as: "a major signing."

"He's an aggressive player who bats in the top five and bowls at a good pace, and he's got experience of playing in English conditions," said Cook.