Middlesex bank on Stirling

Paul Stirling helped Ireland reach the ICC World Twenty20 Super Eights this summer

Middlesex have signed Ireland batsman Paul Stirling on a three-year contract.

The 19-year-old, who played youth and second XI cricket for Middlesex, remains centrally contracted to Ireland, for whom he made his senior debut in March last year.

Stirling has represented his country at every level from under-13 to under-23, and featured in the Friends Provident Trophy in the last two seasons.

He struck 80 against Leicestershire and 51 versus Worcestershire in that competition this year.

Angus Fraser, Middlesex’s managing director of cricket, said: “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 with the club.

“His batting for Ireland in 2009 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.”