Johnston talks of increasing pressure on players
Trent Johnston, Ireland's captain, has spoken of the pressures facing part-time players from the Associate nations as the demands on them grow
Cricinfo staff
17-Apr-2007
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Ireland are playing more international cricket than ever in 2007, and that is causing issues as their amateur cricketers try to juggle the home and full-time work with increasing expectations on the cricket field. Only three of the side - Eoin Morgan (Middlesex) Niall O'Brien (Northants) and Boyd Rankin (Derbyshire) are professionals.
Johnston, who works as a salesman for a textile company under former Ireland captain Angus Dunlop, said that having an understanding boss made his position easier. "We sat down last September and he said I understand your commitments, but I don't think he realised the sort of level we'd be going to now. It's something we'll have to sit down and discuss.
"It's a hugely exciting time. Friends Provident matches (the English domestic competition) don't affect work because it's weekend cricket, but there's other things going on, such as the Intercontinental Cup final against Canada in May. These are exciting times. I've not experienced this before, and I'm looking forward to the experience.
"Warren Deutrom [the Irish Cricket Union's CEO] is working on [sponsorship] and doing his utmost to achieve that. Our performance over here can only help him achieve those goals. A lot of people are knocking on the door and that's outstanding.
"It's going to be massive for Irish cricket to keep this momentum going," Johnston continued. "One thing we wanted to do here was put Irish cricket on the map - not just in the world but in Ireland itself. I think we've done that, and the public response back home has been fantastic.
"This four-month trip was a massive undertaking for the Irish Cricket Union, and it is all about us giving something back to them, because they've done so much for us. I hope they're going to get their rewards for that in the coming months and years."