Ireland opener William Porterfield also impressed for Gloucestershire in 2009

Ireland captain William Porterfield has been named as the ICC Associate Player of the Year at the world governing body's annual awards in Johannesburg.

The voting academy chose Porterfield ahead of other top associate players Canada's Rizwan Cheema and Dutch duo Edgar Schiferli and Ryan ten Doeschate.

During the 12-month period, Porterfield made two centuries and two half-centuries in 11 one-day internationals.

As captain, he led Ireland to nine wins in those 11 matches.

His batting average was 46.80 with a strike rate of 77.10.

In the four ICC Intercontinental Cup fixtures played during the voting period, Porterfield averaged 38.14 with the bat, scoring one century and one half-century.

The 25-year-old Gloucestershire player led Ireland to the Super Eight stage of the World Twenty20 this year.

He also helped his country qualify for the 2011 World Cup after winning the qualifying competition in South Africa in April.

A delighted Porterfield said that 2009 has been "a fantastic year for Ireland".

"This award caps it off on a personal note but it's great for the team to be going to the World Cup having won the ICC Cricket World Cup Qualifier early this year," added Porterfield.

"This award is great for Irish cricket and it shows how much we have done on the field.

"If we continue onwards and keep on making improvements in that department then other awards will follow."

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