William Porterfield joins Warwickshire

William Porterfield, the Ireland opening batsman, has left Gloucestershire after signing a three-year deal with Warwickshire. Gloucester have also lost medium-pacer Gemaal Hussain who too is likely to move up to Division One if he joins county champions Nottinghamshire.

Gloucester had a disappointing 2009 season, being placed fifth in Division Two after losing nine and winning only six of their matches. Porterfield and Hussain's departures come in the wake of Steve Kirby and Anthony Ireland's exits from the county.

The county were unhappy with Hussain's decision but the bowler said he had to make the move if he wanted to improve his chances of playing for England. "I feel I need to challenge myself by playing Division One cricket," Hussain told the county's website. Tom Richardson, Gloucestershire's chief executive, said he didn't agree with Hussain's view. "It's very disappointing as you've got this guy who came to us last year from nowhere," Richardson told BBC Radio Bristol. Hussain was the division's leading wicket-taker with 67 at 22.34 from 15 matches.

Porterfield will join his Ireland team-mate Boyd Rankin at Warwickshire. Ashley Giles, Warwickshire's director of cricket, was pleased with the season's signings which include Pakistan batsman Younis Khan. "Will has proved his potential at international and domestic level and I believe he has a great deal more to offer."