Ireland stick with World Cup players

Ireland will miss Boyd Rankin's wickets in the Friends Provident Trophy © Getty Images

Ireland have named a 12-man squad for their opening Friends Provident fixture, against Kent, at Stormont on Sunday. The selectors have kept faith with the players who performed in the World Cup, but are missing Boyd Rankin and Eoin Morgan who are back with Derbyshire and Middlesex respectively.

Paul Mooney, the allrounder, is the other member of the 15-man squad from the Caribbean not to be named after announcing his retirement from international cricket. However they have retained the services of wicketkeeper Niall O'Brien despite him being on Northamptonshire's books.

Ireland haven't been able to confirm any overseas signings - they would be permitted two in the Friends Provident tournament - but the union are still hopeful or securing deals in the near future.

Phil Simmons, the new Ireland coach who has now taken full control of the side following Adrian Birrell's departure, is upbeat about his team's chances. "I got the opportunity to work with the team for six weeks during the World Cup, so I know what they are capable of. I have total faith in the players, and I'm confident we will continue to do well."

Squad Trent Johnston (capt), Andre Botha, Jeremy Bray, Kenny Carroll, Peter Gillespie, David Langford-Smith, John Mooney, Kyle McCallan, Kevin O'Brien, Niall O'Brien (wk), William Porterfield, Andrew White