Cricket Ireland has announced a 15-man squad for their forthcoming Intercontinental Cup tour of Namibia and Kenya, and have been boosted by the return of the former captain, Trent Johnston, who has made himself available for the whole duration of the trip, including the one-day international games with Kenya and Zimbabwe.
Speaking at a press conference to announce a new three-year sponsorship deal with RSA, Ireland's coach, Phil Simmons, confirmed that he would be available for the ICC World Cup qualifers in 2009, and expressed that he was happy with the composition of the squad, although he did indicate that there were still a few injury concerns over a number of players.
Andrew White (finger) and Kevin O'Brien (back) will undergo fitness test next week to ensure their participation in the tour early next month, but there is no place in the squad for Eoin Morgan, who is nursing a few niggles, and is required by Middlesex for the Stanford series as well.
John Mooney returns to the squad after a self-imposed exile, and Phil Eaglestone after injury. Regan West retains his place after making his debut at Stormont in the abandoned ODI with Kenya.
Missing out on selection are Gary Kidd, Thinus Fourie, Paul Stirling and Reinhardt Strydom, although they are on standby should there be any late withdrawals.
Squad William Porterfield (capt), Andre Botha, Peter Connell, Alex Cusack, Phil Eaglestone, Trent Johnston, Kyle McCallan, John Mooney, Kevin O'Brien, Niall O'Brien, Andrew Poynter, Boyd Rankin, Regan West, Andrew White, Gary Wilson.