Ireland captain William Porterfield has signed a two year extension to his Gloucestershire contract. The 24 year old left hander was mid-way through a two year deal when the county decided to reward him with the longer deal on improved terms.

The opening batsman was given his chance following an early season injury to Craig Spearman, and has grasped the opportunity securing a place at the top of the order for Gloucestershire.

He scored 718 runs at an average of 32.63 in the County Championship, scoring 7 fifties, and with a top score of 93. Widely acknowledged as one of the best fielders in the country, Porterfield also took 7 catches in those games, as well as memorably taking a catch for England during the summer.

Speaking before he set off to captain Ireland in their InterContinental Cup clashes with Namibia and Kenya, Porterfield said, "I am looking forward to building on what has been a good first season for me. This is where my future lies and I hope the next two years will be successful for both me and the club."