Paul Stirling signs for Middlesex

Paul Stirling, the 19-year-old batsman, will join fellow Irish-born cricketer Eoin Morgan at Middlesex next season, in a three-year deal.

Stirling has represented Ireland in youth cricket and made his international debut in 2008. Now centrally contracted with Ireland, he will be unavailable for Middlesex when required on international duty.

While playing for Ireland in the Friends Provident Trophy, Stirling demonstrated his potential last season with a fifty against Worcestershire and 80 against Leicestershire. Lord's will be familiar for Stirling since he has been involved with the Middlesex youth sides and the Second XI team already.

Unlike Morgan and former Middlesex man Joyce, who both chose to play for England, Stirling is currently committed to Ireland and Angus Fraser, the Middlesex director of cricket, said Stirling wants to use his experience at Middlesex to develop his international credentials.

"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."