Jamie Carpenter gets the chance to stake a claim for a long-term future with Sussex on Sunday.

The 26-year-old left-hander will make his first National League appearance of the season against second division Gloucestershire Gladiators at Cheltenham (1pm) and could have a key role to play.

With Robin Martin-Jenkins doubtful because of a side strain, Carpenter will be expected to bowl his slow left-arm as well as bat in the middle order.

Carpenter played just six one-day matches last season, averaging 10.50 with the bat, while his only wicket for the county was taken in his debut season in 1997. He has played twice this season in limited overs games, making 43 against India last month.

Carpenter has also scored two hundreds in the second team recently and Sussex clearly want to give him the opportunity to earn a new contract when his current deal expires at the end of the season.

Coach Peter Moores said: "We want to use Jamie's left-arm spin as an option along with Tony Cottey's off breaks and Will House who has bowled well in the second team game this week.

"Carps has had to be pretty patient, but he's been batting well. Every time you walk onto the field there is an opportunity for a player and hopefully he can take it with both hands."

Mark Robinson is almost certain to return even though he hasn't bowled competitively for a fortnight after injuring his foot in Sussex's last NUL game against Northants a fortnight ago.

With Chris Adams, James Kirtley, Mark Davis and Michael Yardy all injured, it will be a formidable test for the county who have bad memories of the College Ground, having lost on their last three visits there.

Moores added: "Going there against the leaders on their own patch is a real challenge for us.

"But it's the sort of game that should bring the best out of us because we are going to have to fight and scrap for everything."

Meanwhile Kirtley has dampened down speculation that he might be able to return earlier than expected after breaking his hand during England practice at Old Trafford three weeks ago.

Kirtley bowled for the first time since suffering the fracture on Tuesday and the specialist he saw on Wednesday is pleased with his progress, although talk of a return in the two one-day games the week after next may be premature.

He said: "I don't think bowling will be too much of a problem, it's fielding, catching and batting which is more difficult to assess.

"The healing process is going pretty well, but I won't make a decision until I assess the risks with Peter Moores. At this stage I don't know how long it's going to be."

Kirtley was initially told that he would be out of action until the end of August.

Sussex (from): Montgomerie, House, Goodwin, Ambrose, Cottey, Carpenter, Martin-Jenkins, Prior, Innes, Taylor, Robinson, Lewry.