BOYD Rankin could be set to return to international duty with Ireland in January 2016, ahead of the World Twenty20 in March.
The Warwickshire bowler represented Ireland between 2007 and 2012, before switching his allegiance to England in the hope of playing Test cricket.
The 31-year-old Ulster man failed to cement his place in the Test squad, and is now reportedly in talks with Cricket Ireland to return to the Ireland set-up.
He will be eligible to return to Ireland duty on January 17, which will mark a two-year re-qualification period since he last appeared for England in a one-day match.
If Rankin does return to the Ireland fold, he will available for the World Twenty20 in India in March.
He could possibly play his first game back in the team’s ICC Intercontinental Cup fixture against Papua New Guinea in January.
Rankin's return would be a major boost for coach John Bracewell, strengthening Ireland’s bowling line-up.
The news comes a day after it was confirmed that Ireland would play both South Africa and Australia in One Day International (ODI) fixtures next September.
The games, set to take place in South Africa, are strong additions to Ireland’s home fixtures against Sri Lanka and Pakistan in 2016.
“It's fantastic news for Irish cricket.” said head coach John Bracewell. "These are exactly the type of fixtures Irish cricket needs to take the game to the next level.
“There are fewer tougher challenges than playing South Africa in their home conditions plus the number one ranked side in Australia.”
