Gloucestershire CCC bowler Steve Kirby feels confident the future of English cricket is in safe hands.

Gloucestershire's experienced pace bowling spearhead flew out to the United Arab Emirates with the England Lions squad at the weekend to contest a series of Twenty20 and one-day international matches against Pakistan A and the full England side in what promises to be an intensive three-week tour.

But not before taking a good, long look at the next generation of potential England batsmen during a rigorous fortnight training camp at the National Cricket Centre at Loughborough. And Kirby certainly liked what he saw of England's emerging players.

Speaking to the Evening Post from the team hotel in Dubai, Kirby said: "I've seen the future and it's bright. Of course you are aware of good young players coming through, because you play against them on the county circuit.

"But it's only when you see them up close and work with them on a daily basis that you realise just how good they are."

Kirby has been particularly impressed with Somerset wicketkeeper-batsman Craig Kieswetter, Leicestershire prodigy James Taylor and Hampshire top-order batsman Michael Lumb.

He said: "I've bowled at all three in the nets and they are very, very good players indeed.

"It pains me to say it about a Somerset player, but Kieswetter is such a talented lad, I'm sure he will go on to play at the very highest level.

"I've always thought Lumb would turn out to be a good cricketer and I've seen nothing in two weeks at Loughborough to alter my opinion.

"I've played against young Taylor in the Second Division of the Championship and he had a real breakthrough season in 2009.

"He's only small, but what he lacks in inches he makes up for in ability. He's an excellent little batter and I can see him coming through to become a top player.

"When you see young players like those three coming through, you realise just how good our coaching system has now become and how valuable an asset the national centre is. The facilities at Loughborough are top notch and they can only benefit players wanting to take the next step from county to international cricket.

"Judging by what I've seen over the past few weeks, the future of English cricket is in safe hands."

Although the Lions have been given precious little time in which to prepare, Kirby insists strong bonds have been forged at Loughborough.

He explained: "To start with, you have 20-odd blokes being thrown together who have never played in the same team before, let alone got to know one another.

"But that changes very quickly when you are working in a group every day. We have a smashing bunch of lads and there is a real spirit within the camp and a will to do well for one another and the team.

"It's difficult to start with, but you soon learn about each other's game. They try and recreate the kind of pressure situations that might occur in a match and, by the end of our time at the training camp, you could see things coming together. There is a genuine understanding between the lads on the field and I think people will see that over the next few weeks."

England Lions opened their account with a Twenty20 warm-up fixture against the United Arab Emirates tomorrow and Kirby said: "Now the preparation has been done and we're out here, we can't wait to get started. It's really exciting and we're all looking forward to the challenge."