The son of former England cricketer Darren Gough could feature for Essex in their opening matches of the 2015 campaign.

Liam Gough, 20, is one of three young players who have been awarded short-term trials at Chelmsford.

Gough, whose dad played for Essex between 2004 and 2006, will trial with Essex until the end of May following training with the first team during the close season.

Former Essex academy players Aron Nijjar and Saf Imtiaz have also joined on a trial basis following a consistent season with the second XI last summer.

Nijjar’s trial will run from June to September once he has completed his university commitments.

And Imtiaz will be available for the whole season after spending the winter playing club cricket in Australia.