Andrew Gale has admitted that he would welcome South African Herschelle Gibbs back to Headingley for next season’s Twenty20 competition.

The 36-year-old right-hander has been a major success for the White Rose in the 20-over format this term, despite the team struggling.

He was the first man to pass 400 runs in the North Division and achieved his aim of scoring a maiden career hundred against Northamptonshire at Wantage Road a fortnight ago.

“I’d definitely welcome him back with open arms,” said captain Gale. “Herschelle’s a match-winner, and that’s what you want in Twenty20 cricket.

“He can change a game within an over, he can even change a game within the space of a couple of balls.

“If it’s possible then we’d love to have him back. But there is a lot of water to pass under the bridge before then. The way the club’s finances are at the moment, you just never know what is possible.”

There is a case for arguing that Gibbs has been one of the best specialist T20 overseas signings around on the county circuit. Somerset will argue a strong case to say that Kieron Pollard has taken that gong.

Martyn Moxon has said that Gibbs’ influence off the field has been a positive one for the younger players in his squad, while Adil Rashid said last month that talking to a player of his experience has helped him immensely.

With the amount of international cricket played nowadays, it is hard at the moment to ascertain whether Gibbs would be available to come back for a second spell next summer.

It is also worth noting that the structure for next year’s domestic competition has not been confirmed yet, and there is every chance that it could change from this year’s 16 group matches.

But at least chief executive Stewart Regan is open to the idea of Gibbs returning.

He said: “We’ve certainly been very impressed with Herschelle, that is fair to say. He’s delivered both cricket-wise and personally.

“I think it’s early days to say anything more than that. We need to understand what our plans are for next year. It’s also something that Martyn would need to recommend to the board as to what he wants to do with the overseas players for 2011.”

Gibbs best showing was his unbeaten ton at Northants, but unfortunately it did not equate to a victory due to the famous waist-high full toss bowled by Rich Pyrah.

The hosts needed 13 to win off one ball but Pyrah bowled a no ball which was hit for six by Nicky Boje.

Boje then hit the next ball, which proved to be the last of the match, for four to secure a point.

Gale was not playing in that game due to England Lions duty.

He said: “If I were there I would have just told Rich to bowl a half volley. But it was a freak incident. What happened is something you will probably never see on a cricket field again.”