Worcestershire expect to find out next week whether Cricket Australia will allow all-rounder Ashley Noffke to link up with them as their overseas player for the 2009 campaign.

The Queensland player, who is on a central contract, is recuperating after recently undergoing surgery on a back problem which has troubled him throughout the winter.

The county's chief executive Mark Newton told PA Sport: "The situation with Ashley is progressing. We hope to hear from Cricket Australia next week whether he will be cleared to play for us.

Worcestershire, currently on a pre-season tour in South Africa, hope Noffke can join up with them for the start of the domestic campaign in mid April.

Newton added: "He is currently having a few more run-outs after his operation and is having some more testing on his back later this week. The selectors are happy for Ashley to join up with Worcestershire but the Cricket Australia medical people will have the final say.

"If he does come here, I would not expect any restraints to be put on him in terms of how much he can play but that is always possible and we will have to wait and see."

England paceman Simon Jones is part of the Worcestershire squad which will play five games in South Africa, including two against LV County Champions Durham.

He is due to bowl in earnest for the first time since undergoing knee surgery at the end of last season - his first with the Royals after moving from Glamorgan.

Newton said: "Simon has done everything asked of him this winter and he has lost a couple of stone and done all the exercises and rehabilitation work. Bowling in South Africa will be the true test."

Meanwhile, the county's new Graeme Hick pavilion at New Road is on course to be completed on schedule and should be in use for the Twenty20 Cup clash with Gloucestershire Gladiators on May 25.