Poynter replaces injured Niall O'Brien

Wicketkeeper Andrew Poynter will replace the injured Niall O'Brien in the Ireland squad for the two-ODI series against Pakistan in Stormont on May 28 and 30.

O'Brien fractured the fourth finger of his left hand after being struck by Simon Jones during his innings of 121 for Northamptonshire against Hampshire. As one of Ireland's most senior players, O'Brien is a significant loss for the team. Poynter last played in September 2010 against Canada and is likely to be a back-up for Surrey batsman Gary Wilson, who is first choice to take up the wicketkeeping role.

"It's obviously a big blow to lose Niall as he has been in such excellent touch this season," Ireland coach Phil Simmons said. "We're lucky in that we have Gary Wilson as a back-up keeper, and Andrew Poynter has never let us down any time he's been called upon."

O'Brien was frustrated to miss out but hoped to return to action soon. "It's so disappointing to miss these games, as I've obviously good memories of playing Pakistan after winning the Man-of-the-Match award when we beat them in the 2007 World Cup," he said. "I'll have another x-ray in ten days and would hope to be back playing in about three weeks."