Scotland coach Pete Steindl (pictured right) says the Saltires desperately need a cash boost if they are to avoid being overtaken by their cricket rivals.

Last month Scotland was able to add a fourth full-time pro to their ranks, with Matty Parker, one of the success stories of 2010, putting pen to paper.

However Cricket Scotland have been struggling to attract a major new backer since the withdrawal of Lloyds TSB almost two years ago.

Speaking to The Daily Record, Steindl said: "We have done well to maintain all our development programmes and match schedules.

"But we have reached a threshold and there is no room for manoeuvre.

"Even if you stand still in sport you go backwards in real terms. We need more financial security to take things to the next level. It's great to get a fourth professional but we need more.

"Ireland and Afghanistan are virtually fully pro, as are Kenya - and Canada have about eight full-timers.

"We have to make sure we can compete."

Scotland are next in action in the CB40 campaign, having failed to qualify for the 2011 World Cup.