Ireland may have a new cricket recruit if Middlesex bowler Tim Murtagh has his way.

Murtagh, who played for England U19s, qualifies through his grandparents, both of whom were born in Dublin.

"I think I would be eligible for an Irish passport and be able to play.

"Whether they're keen or not I don't know as I haven't pushed it yet, but it's definitely an avenue I'd look at exploring," he told BBC London 94.9.

"I've got Irish grandparents and do have Irish blood in me. There have been a couple of enquiries but I've heard nothing back since."

Murtagh's Irish roots came up in conversation with Ireland batsman Ed Joyce, a close friend since their days at Lord's.

"I was away with Ed during the winter for the weekend with our partners.

"The topic just came up one night when we were sat in the pub, and he was asking about my Irish roots as I've got Irish grandparents."

The seamer continued: "It's up to the Irish Cricket Board and whether they're interested in me, I've had some emails back and forth and I would qualify as both my grandparents were born in Ireland."

Murtagh has taken 32 wickets in 5 games so far this season, and stands third in the averages.

His uncle Andy, who was born in Dublin, played for Hampshire for many years, while Tim's brother Chris was at Surrey for several seasons. He now plays with Shropshire in the Minor Counties championship.

He would join former Hamish Marshall, the former new Zealand test player, as a high profile player who 'declared' without having played in Irish cricket.

"I'm coming up to my 30th birthday so realistically if I was going to play for England then that would have happened by now,' says Tim.

"So the chance of playing an international tournament would be massive for me and something I'd find very hard to turn down."