Boyd Rankin has announced that he will be finishing his career as an Ireland player after this year's ICC World Twenty20 competition.

The 28-year-old has the opportunity to play for Ireland and England but believes that it is time to concentrate on one target.

"It's been a difficult decision for me but I will be retiring from playing cricket for Ireland after the World T20," Rankin said. "I feel I can't continue to play the amount of cricket I have been playing with Warwickshire, England Lions and Ireland over the last few years."

The Warwickshire bowler has admitted that his ambition to break into England's Test squad was a key factor in his decision.

"I have genuine ambitions of playing Test cricket and have to give myself the best chance to do that by reducing my workloads as a fast bowler and concentrating on playing cricket for Warwickshire."

Rankin made his Ireland debut against Bermuda in 2007.