Minty feels that cricket is rivalling football and rugby in popularity

Jersey's director of cricket Chris Minty believes the sport's popularity in the island could soon rival that of football and rugby.

Minty feels the opportunity of playing international cricket for the island is luring young players away from more traditional sports.

"Football and rugby are very popular games but I think cricket is gaining a foothold," he told BBC Radio Jersey.

"We're probably not very far away from either of them now."

Jersey face Singapore in their opening match in division five of the World Cricket League next month.

A victory in that tournament would see the island promoted to division four and playing in Tanzania in October for a place in division three.

On a European level the island's senior side finished second in Europe's second division tournament in 2006 and will look to improve when they play in the same event this summer.

The island's juniors already play at division one level against World Cup nations including Ireland, Scotland and the Netherlands.

Jersey beat Italy in a series of one day internationals last year to ensure promotion as associate members of the ICC, the highest rank of nation outside Test playing countries.