Tahir previously played for Middlesex and Yorkshire

Hampshire's new overseas signing Imran Tahir says he is looking to use his spell in England to earn a full-time county contract.

The Pakistan A leg-spinner, 29, arrived last week to join Hampshire for the remainder of this season.

Tahir made his debut in the Pro 40 defeat at Nottinghamshire on Sunday.

He told BBC Radio Solent: "I want to play first-class cricket all year. It would be great if I could earn a county contract for the whole season."

Tahir is Hampshire's third overseas player of the 2008 season, following New Zealand fast bowler Shane Bond and Australian all-rounder Ian Harvey.