THEY say that good things come to those who wait.

That is certainly true of Andrew McGarry, who has been re-signed by Essex - three-and-a-half years after initially being released by the county of his birth.

The seam bowler and former South East Essex College student has taken advantage of a fast-bowling injury crisis at the Ford County Ground to sign a one-year deal with the club.

Having impressed in pre-season and during the recent LV County Championship win over Glamorgan, Basildon-born McGarry is expected to feature mainly in four-day cricket.

And the 25-year-old player is determined to make the most of an opportunity he admits he thought would never arrive.

"I wasn't expecting anything to happen, and I've just been doing what I do and seeing how things materialise," said McGarry, who played 15 first-class matches for the county between 1999 and 2003.

"It's good that this has happened, even if it's a bit of a surprise. I'm delighted to be back with Essex.

"Once you play somewhere you don't expect to get a second chance, so to get another go is really good."

Since being released three seasons ago, McGarry has become a self-made businessman, buying and selling military medals.

But cricket has remained a big part of his life, and the right-armer has regularly turned out for neighbouring Suffolk in Minor Counties cricket.

And he believes that experience will stand him in good stead when he next turns out for Essex in first-class cricket.

"I've matured and have a bit more experience," claimed McGarry, who lists consistency and economy as his major strengths.

"Obviously I haven't played much on the first-class scene for three years, but I've played lots of minor counties cricket and have learnt a bit more about myself, so will hopefully come back a better bowler this time.

"I hope to force my way into the side on a regular basis, but that depends on my performances, so we'll just have to see what happens."

While McGarry is keen to point out that the atmosphere within the Essex dressing room is "good - as always", he admits the loss of Andy Flower to an ECB coaching role will leave a big hole.

But McGarry is confident both he and his team-mates have the ability to fill it.

"It's a massive blow for a player of Andy's calibre to leave, but there's plenty of depth in the squad and a lot of good, young players," he added.

"Hopefully, between us, we'll come into some form to be able to compete in all competitions, and there's every chance we can do that."