Ireland stick with the tried and trusted

There were no surprises in Ireland's 15-man squad for the ICC World Cup Qualifiers in South Africa in April.

The return of Eoin Morgan, currently on tour with England A in New Zealand, at the expense of Phil Eaglestone is the only change from the squad which won the ICC Intercontinental Cup in South Africa last November. Ten of the squad were in the Caribbean for the 2007 World Cup, and a seasoned side averages almost 60 appearances each.

"The players have all worked hard and they all know what it means to play on the World stage," explained coach Phil, Simmons. "They've had a taste of it, and they want to embrace it again. It's also good to have a few newer faces like Regan West and Peter Connell coming in to keep it fresh and add something new.

"With so much at stake in terms of qualification, and the associated financial rewards, there's bound to be a lot of pressure games, and I think the squad that's been selected is better placed than most to handle it. They've been in a lot of tough games over the years and acquitted themselves superbly. There's a good balance to the squad, and having so many quality allrounders gives us lots of options."

William Portfield, who will lead the team, said he was happy to have a full-strength squad. "It's a great boost to have Eoin Morgan back with us. We now have five players involved with English counties playing full time cricket, and that's a great benefit. "We've pretty much covered all bases in terms of the players selected, and I think we'll do well in the South African conditions. There's a bit of extra pace and bounce usually in the wickets, and with Peter Connell and Boyd Rankin both bowling pretty quick, we have a good spearhead. Kyle McCallan and Regan West are both quality spinners, and we have a host of allrounders who are all slightly different in their own way."

"I think we've been drawn in slightly the tougher group, but with the competition format, if we want to progress, we have to play well against all the top sides. I'd be confident we can progress and keep Irish cricket very much on the map."

Ireland squad William Porterfield (capt), Andre Botha, Peter Connell, Alex Cusack, Trent Johnston, Kyle McCallan, John Mooney, Eoin Morgan, Kevin O'Brien, Niall O'Brien, Andrew Poynter, Boyd Rankin, Regan West, Andrew White, Gary Wilson.

Reserves: Phil Eaglestone, Paul Stirling, Reinhardt Strydom.