Herschelle Gibbs is set to bat at number three for Glamorgan

South Africa batsman Herschelle Gibbs will consider his international future during his stay at Glamorgan.

The 34-year-old has been left out of South Africa's squad to tour England this summer and Gibbs has hinted that he may quit the international scene.

He admitted: "I've got some decisions to make in the next few weeks whether to carry on at international level."

Glamorgan signed him for the Twenty20 Cup but Gibbs says he could remain for the whole season as a Kolpak player.

The Kolpak ruling allows players from countries with associate trade agreements with the European Union - such as South Africa - to be treated as non-overseas players.

Should Gibbs sign a Kolpak agreement with Glamorgan, it would be a break with tradition.

Glamorgan previously feared that signing Kolpak players would hinder the progress of their young players - but following three dire years, the Welsh county are reviewing their stance.

"Maybe my appearance for Glamorgan in the Twenty20 Cup could be a sign of things to come," said Gibbs, who replaces Australia's Jason Gillespie as Glamorgan's overseas player for their Twenty20 quest.

GIFT OF THE GIBBS Born: 23 February 1974 in Cape Town Batting style: Right-hand bat South Africa Test honours: 90 caps (14 100s, 26 50s) South Africa one-day honours: 227 games (20 100s, 34 50s) Teams: Cape Cobras, Deccan Chargers, Glamorgan, Western Province Did you know?: Gibbs was banned for making racist comments about Pakistan fans in 2007 and was banned for six months in 2000 for his part in the Hansie Cronje match-fixing scandal

"I've spoken to the coach and he said I'm first reserve for South Africa in case anyone gets injured. So we'll have to wait and see.

"But I've been dying for a proper go at an English cricket county for the last few years so maybe me coming to Glamorgan has happened at a good time."

Gibbs boasts an impressive batting average of 41.95 runs in 90 South Africa Tests and an average of 36.53 runs in 227 one-day internationals since his debut in 1996.

The highlight of Gibbs' often controversial and colourful international career was becoming the first player in one-day history to hit six sixes during an over.

Gibbs' feat against Netherlands spinner Daan van Bunge during the 2007 World Cup ensured membership of an elite club that includes Sir Garfield Sobers, Ravi Shastri and Yuvraj Singh.

But Gibbs' time on the world stage could be coming to an end and that could benefit struggling Glamorgan.

Matthew Maynard, cricket manager at the Swalec Stadium, signed the South African ace for Glamorgan's forthcoming Twenty20 campaign, which starts against Warwickshire in Cardiff on Wednesday.

But an extended stay for Gibbs, a man Maynard describes as a "leader," would be a great boost for Glamorgan's young team.

Gibbs joins Glamorgan after starring alongside Adam Gilchrist, Andrew Symonds and VVS Laxman for the Deccan Chargers in the Indian Premier League after the Hyderabad side paid $575,000 (�291,953) for him at auction.

Saturday's announcement that English cricket's top Twenty20 teams will qualify for a Champions League-style tournament against the best from India, Australia and South Africa has raised the 20-over stakes for Glamorgan and every county.

"I love Twenty20 cricket and it has certainly set the cricket world alight," said Gibbs, who is set to bat at number three for Glamorgan.

"The whole world is talking about Twenty20 cricket and it was great to be involved in the Indian Premier League - that was a fabulous tournament and created big news.

"Twenty20 cricket has raised the profile of cricket and we all must embrace it.

"I'll use my experience in the Indian Premier League and at international level to help inspire my younger team-mates at Glamorgan.

"I know Glamorgan's squad is quite inexperienced so I hope my knowledge can rub off on everyone.

"I'm excited about this new challenge and I want to impress the fans with some big scores and big wins."

South African team-mate and former Daffodil county hero Jacques Kallis gave Gibbs a glowing reference of Glamorgan, and revealed: "Jacques told me plenty of Glamorgan stories.

"He certainly loved his time here so when Matt Maynard asked me to join, I didn't need much convincing."