Yorkshire have been handed mixed news about the availability of two key players ahead of next month’s Champions League in South Africa.

The Tykes have confirmed that batsmen David Miller will be able to play a part in the competition.

However, wicket-keeper Andrew Hodd, who signed a two-year deal at Headingley this week after impressing during a loan spell from Sussex, will not be in the county’s 15-man squad.

Yorkshire director of professional cricket Martyn Moxon said: “Andrew Hodd isn’t available as a result of him not being registered with us or having played for us in the domestic twenty20 tournament.

“Miller is going to be available for the first game at least. Beyond that is still a little bit unclear because of his domestic duties in South Africa.

“It’s good news to have him for one. It will be great to have him for both the qualifying games but at the moment that’s still in negotiation.”

Yorkshire must finish top of their qualifying Pool to enter the competition proper.

They will face Sri Lankan side Uva Next on October 9 and then Trinidad & Tobago the following day in Johannesburg.

Miller’s availability is certainly a major boost. The South African batsmen was one of the stars of Yorkshire’s run to the final of the Friends Life t20, finishing as the second-highest run scorer in the competition.

The decision to not allow Hodd to play could yet be equally as important though.

It means youngster Dan Hodgson is likely to be included in Monday’s final travelling party as cover for Jonny Bairstow, who could yet be denied the chance to play in the competition by England.

Meanwhile, the county have confirmed they are looking to sign a fast bowler before the start of the 2013 season.

They would, however, not be drawn on whether they are speaking to Glamorgan’s James Harris at this stage.

The England Lions player is expected to leave Wales this winter and has been given permission to talk to other counties including Nottinghamshire.

Moxon admitted: “We’re looking to add to our squad without doubt and seam bowling is an area we’re looking at. Beyond that, I don’t really want to say anything at this stage."

When pressed as to whether Yorkshire had contacted Glamorgan to have permission to open talks with Harris, he added: “In James’ case, for the counties that are interested in him, that wasn’t needed to be done. He’s been given dispensation to speak to counties so as soon as there is something concrete to tell you we will.”

Meanwhile, Yorkshire go into the final match of their campaign next week just one point behind leaders Derbyshire, who lost by 222 runs to Kent today.

The victory for Kent leaves them third, five points behind Yorkshire, while fourth-placed Hampshire were thrashed against Essex.