Marshall wants International Return

Gloucestershire batsman Hamish Marshall has signalled his desire to return to international cricket - with Ireland.

Marshall holds an Irish passport and would be eligible to play for them from April 2011 - subject to ICC approval.

But the former New Zealand international gave assurances to his county commitments: "I certainly love playing county cricket with Gloucestershire and plan to do so for some time yet.

"However, I miss international cricket and, being an Irish passport-holder, there's hopefully an opportunity to combine both with Ireland," he said.

Marshall, who last played international cricket at the 2007 World Cup in the West Indies and who has test century against Australia to his name, has also expressed an interest in coaching in the country.

Cricket Ireland coach Phil Simmons said: "It would be a great boost for Irish cricket to have a player of the calibre of Hamish Marshall available."

Should Marshall play for Ireland he would link up with Gloucestershire team mate Will Porterfield and would also reverse a trend of cricketers moving away from the Irish national side. Eoin Morgan and Ed Joyce both represented Ireland before making the switch to play for England.