Paul Coughlin has returned to Durham Cricket, moving back to his home county from Nottingham.

The all-rounder, born in Sunderland, has spent the last two seasons at Trent Bridge following his departure from Durham at the end of 2017.

But injuries affected his time at Trent Bridge and he has been released a year before the end of his contract to allow him to head home.

Coughlin captained Durham in the 2017 T20 Blast and has 86 first class wickets with a best of 5/49 for Durham against Northamptonshire, along with a highest score of 85 with the bat.

The 27-year-old who progressed through the Durham county age group and academy has also been involved with the England Lions, scoring an unbeaten 51 against West Indies A in Jamaica.

Director of Cricket Marcus North said: “We are delighted that this opportunity has presented itself for Durham to bring one of its home-grown players back to the club.

“Paul is an outstanding all-round player who will add quality to the Durham squad in all formats.

“We are all excited to welcome him back at the club following 2 years away and look forward to Paul having a huge impact here at the Emirates Riverside.”

After two injury hit years at Trent Bridge, Coughlin added: “I would like to thank Mick (Newell), Peter (Moores) and the club for their understanding.

“Unfortunately, I suffered a couple of serious injuries while at Notts which meant I spent most of the last two years with the physio James Pipe and undergoing rehab with Liam Price (strength and conditioning coach).

“I am very grateful for all the work they did with me.

“During these periods of injury, I questioned whether I even wanted to continue playing cricket professionally.

“The support I received from Notts during this period was excellent and I am disappointed I was unable to repay them with performances on the field.

“However, for personal reasons I felt I needed a fresh start.

“I am very excited to be returning home to Durham and I hope this move will help me get my career back on track.”

Coughlin dislocated his right shoulder whilst on England Lions duty in the lead-up to the 2018 season, limiting him to only three first team appearances during the domestic campaign.

He then broke a finger in his first County Championship appearance for the club in April this year.

Having returned to action for the Royal London One-Day Cup game against Worcestershire a month later, Coughlin suffered a hamstring injury.