On the eve of the new season, Kent vice-captain Sam Northeast says it is time for Kent’s talented youngsters to turn potential into results.

Hopes are high that the addition of former Kent stars Joe Denly and Matt Coles to a squad already brimming with young talent including the likes of Northeast Sam Billings, Adam Riley and Daniel Bell-Drummond, means Kent can challenge to end their six-year wait for silverware.

Northeast is one of a number of home-grown talents who have come through Kent’s Academy system in recent years and the 25-year-old batsman says he understands the sentiments of the success-starved supporter base.

He said: “The punters will have been saying ‘we’ve had a lot of potential with the youngsters over the last three or four years, it’s time for them to deliver at some stage.’

“Hopefully, we can deliver. There’s no reason why we can’t. The time for potential is probably gone and now it’s time for results.

“The one-day stuff was decent last year and it was a good end to the season. Hopefully, we can go one better in one form this season.”

Northeast said the capture of Denly and Coles would provide a boost to make up for ‘the loss’ of not signing an overseas player.

He said: “I remember facing Colesey (for Hampshire) last year wasn’t particularly pleasant.

“He’s got the potential to go on and gain England honours and Joe has played for England, so to add those two class, quality Kent cricketers is a bonus.

“No overseas this year is probably a loss but it’s probably an opportunity for someone else.”

Northeast backed Kent’s young stars to stake their own claim for England honours, saying: “There are certainly players here who can go and play at the next level. I played against Daniel in Australia and he looked in good form, Sam (Billings) had a great end to last year and I’m sure he won’t be far away.

“There are definitely guys, if they get a good start, for whom there are opportunities there.”

Of his own international chances, Northeast added: “I don’t necessarily see that as a goal going into the year but if you’re playing well, you’re probably in the mix at the moment. I’m thinking about Kent first-and-foremost.”

Northeast said “there’s a good vibe about the place” as pre-season picked up pace with the return of players from around the world last week.