SCOTT Newman hopes to use his one-month loan spell at Notts as a means of putting himself in the shop window.

The opening batsman feared he may not play first-team cricket again this season after being told last month he would not figure in Surrey's plans.

But the 29-year-old's availability was circulated around the counties by e-mail and Notts' director of cricket Mick Newell stepped in.

Newman responded with an innings of 87 on his debut as Notts drew their County Championship Division One clash with Somerset at Taunton.

And now he is determined to add more runs in a bid to win a contract at Trent Bridge or with another first-class county.

"It is disappointing what happened at Surrey because I have been there since the age of nine and it's my first love," said Newman.

"But I was told I wouldn't be featuring for the rest of the season, which was down to them having a problem with my character.

"I felt I did everything I was asked to do and felt I had played well, but I have got to look to the future now.

"I have really enjoyed my two weeks so far with Notts and I am enjoying my cricket again.

"Whether I stay here is out of my hands – all I can do is to concentrate on my game and the rest will look after itself.

"But Notts is a big club with a Test match ground and it is somewhere I would like to play my cricket."

Newman is now playing in another four-day game as Mick Newell's side take on Sussex at Horsham.

He will hope to build on his bright start, although the wicket is likely to be less batsman-friendly.

Newman said: "I don't think it has been a difficult environment to come into with players struggling at the top of the order because the other guys in the team have scored runs.

"It can happen that it is hard opening up against the new ball, but I back myself to get runs every time I go out to play.

"If I can make it so that we are 100-1 or 100-2 so the other batsmen can go in and express themselves, then I will have done my job.

"We have to get bigger scores on the board so that our strong seam attack can go out and win matches."

Derbyshire have released Dan Birch, son of former Notts all-rounder and cricket manager John Birch.