Ed Joyce has been awarded a central contract by Ireland – and that could be a batting bonus for Sussex.

The 38-year-old left-hander has agreed a Category A deal with Cricket Ireland and will also remain signed on with his county.

He will be available for part of the Specsavers County Championship campaign next season.

Joyce, a former Sussex skipper, was out of contract and there appeared a real chance his days at Hove could be over.

The extent of his involvement next term remains to be seen but Sussex have been told he will available as cover and are looking upon it as a bonus.

Joyce said: “I am extremely honoured to accept a full-time international playing contract with Ireland. Test cricket is the greatest ambition for any cricketer.

“Ireland has a huge opportunity to play at the highest level in the coming years and I want to be a part of that journey.

“With this agreement though I am delighted to also maintain my commitment to Sussex who have been my cricketing family for so long.

“Captaining Sussex has been one of my proudest achievements in cricket, and I’m really happy to be a part of the squad if called upon in 2017.”

Joyce arrived at Hove in 2009 and later became captain of the club in 2012.

He skippered Sussex to two successive third-placed finishes in the 1st Division, the highest place that the county has finished since being crowned champions in 2007.

Sussex head coach Mark Davis said: “Ed is still one of the best domestic players in the country, and for us to be able to call upon his talents as cover for our full time squad is fantastic news.

“The sheer volume of runs he has scored in recent seasons makes him such an important player for us, and to have someone of Ed’s experience available to play alongside our young and upcoming batsmen is invaluable.

“Ed will be a cover player for us and depending on his availability with Ireland, we will have the option of selecting him. He has moved with his family back home to Ireland as his commitments to international cricket with Ireland grow, but to have him available to call upon is a real boost for us.”