Stirling, who made 142 against England this month, starred on Northants debut © PA Images via Getty Images

Andy Balbirnie notched up his sixth century in ODIs © AFP via Getty Images

Paul Stirling and Andy Balbirnie shared a second-wicket partnership worth more than 200 runs © PA Photos via Getty images

Paul Stirling celebrates reaching his ninth ODI century © Getty Images

Paul Stirling plays a shot © AFP via Getty Images

Paul Stirling drives through the off side © Getty Images

Paul Stirling left Middlesex in September © Getty Images

Paul Stirling pulls through the leg side © Getty Images

Paul Stirling and James McCollum walk out to bat at the Civil Service ground in Stormont © Getty Images

Paul Stirling jumps with joy to celebrate with Mark Adair © Sportsfile/Getty Images

William Porterfield and Paul Stirling revived Ireland's innings © Getty Images

Paul Stirling is "itching" to return to international cricket © Getty Images

Paul Stirling walks back after making his eighth ODI ton © Getty Images

Andy Balbirnie and Paul Stirling fist-bump during their century stand © Getty Images

Paul Stirling gets on top of the bounce © Getty Images

Paul Stirling, Tim Murtagh and Andy McBrine enjoy a bit of football © Sportsfile via Getty Images

Paul Stirling raises his bat to the Ireland dressing room after completing a half-century © Peter Della Penna

Paul Stirling's 61 went in vain © Raton Gomes/BCB