Ireland all-rounder Kevin O’Brien has signed Surrey on a short-term deal for their first part of the NatWest T20 Blast.

Delighted to say @KevinOBrien113 has signed for first part of @NatWestT20Blast campaign http://t.co/2dPuJ2a9E8 @Irelandcricket

— Surrey Cricket (@surreycricket) May 13, 2014

The Railway Union player, who joined Surrey last July and has scored 72 runs in three games for the county in last season.

The 30-year-old will be available in Surrey’s Blast opening game against Sussex on Friday.

“I loved it last year, it helps playing in front of big crowds,” said O’Brien.

“Hopefully this season I can hit the ground running and I can put in some good performances for the team.”

The Dublin-born O’Brien, who smashed the historical fastest century against England in 2011 World Cup, has played 77 ODIs and 37 T20 matches for his country.