Shropshire Cricket Club today unveiled former Surrey batsman Chris Murtagh as their new professional for 2010 as they prepare a fresh assault on Minor County honours.

Murtagh had spent two seasons as a professional at The Oval before being released in the summer.

The 25-year-old will link up with the team’s other professional, spinner Andy Gray who will continue with the county for a sixth season.

Murtagh is no stranger to new Shropshire captain Ed Foster, with the pair spending three years together at Loughborough University.

And Foster is confident Murtagh – who will continue to captain his club Reigate Priory in the Surrey Premier League – has all the credentials to prove a shrewd signing.

“When I knew I was going to be captain, Chris was one of the first names which came into my mind,” said Foster.

“He has been at Surrey since he was nine and, while he didn’t have that many first-team opportunities over the last two years, he has been a big player in second team cricket and was a bit unlucky to be released.

“He loves batting and scoring runs. I think one of our big problems at Shropshire for the last few years is that we haven’t had a settled top three at the top of the order. Chris coming in should help that.

“He is keen to get back into the First Class game and we wanted someone who is young and hungry for success.”

Murtagh, who played 25 times in all competitions for Surrey, does have a First Class century to his name after scoring 107 for Loughborough against Yorkshire.

Meanwhile, Terry O’Connor – who managed Wellington to historic back-to-back Birmingham League premier division titles – has been appointed as cricket co-ordinator for Shropshire and will work closely with Foster.

“I’ve known Terry for a while through Shropshire junior cricket and I’m delighted he will be there to assist,” added Foster.

“Tactically, he certainly knows what he is talking about so he will be a great asset.”