Stirling signs three-year deal with Middlesex

Ireland's Paul Stirling missed making his county debut last season in the final Pro40 game due to injury, but has been signed by Middlesex next summer on a three-year contract.

Middlesex's Managing Director, Angus Fraser, acknowledged on Cricket Ireland website: "Paul has been involved with the Middlesex youth sides and Second XI and we are delighted that he has now signed a full time contract for the club.

"His batting for Ireland in 2009 (when he scored two half centuries in the Friends Provident Trophy and top-scored against England at Stormont) highlighted his potential. Paul has a central contract with Cricket Ireland and we are happy that representing Ireland will be his priority for the time being."

Stirling, who was part of the ICC High Performance Training Camp in South Africa in November along with Gary Wilson, Kevin O'Brien and Alex Cusack, will also be attending Ireland's first winter training session of the year in Bready this weekend.

Speaking about the deal, Stirling said: "I am delighted to have signed a three-year deal with Middlesex and look forward to going over when Ireland commitments allow. It is something that I've always wanted to do and it can only be beneficial for my game."

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