Boyd Rankin is facing a difficult decision in the coming weeks as his contract with Warwickshire finishes at the end of the current county season.

The Midlands side are keen to retain the services of the giant pace bowler but are believed to putting pressure on Rankin to retire from international cricket with Ireland.

28 year old Rankin returned in March from the World Twenty20 qualifiers in the UAE with a stress reaction foot injury which has ruled him out of most of the current season.

That angered Warwickshire, who now want sole and exclusive use of Rankin who has been a pivotal figure for the Irish since his debut as an 19 year old back in 2003, winning 79 caps since then.

Perversely for a county so concerned with Rankin's work load, Warwickshire bowled him for 32.1 overs during his comeback championship game against Surrey.

However, Rankin is very much in demand at present with Somerset declaring their interest. Marcus Trescothick rated Rankin as the most hostile bowler he faced during the 2011 season.

Other counties are also sure to be interested in capturing Rankin, who has changed his agent in recent weeks.

With Ireland already having qualified for this year's T20 World Cup and leading the qualifying series for the 2015 World Cup, Rankin has certainly plenty of food for thought in the coming weeks.