Cricket:Ireland paceman Trent Johnston is expected to play in Friday's World Cup Group B match against West Indies having trained without incident today, but may not make 50 overs.
Johnston appears to have recovered sufficiently from a knee injury sustained against India on Sunday to take the field tomorrow, but a final assessment will be made tomorrow morning.
Against India in Bangalore, Johnston could bowl only five overs, during which he picked up two wickets for just 16 runs, but the 36-year-old seamer was back bowling in nets today.
Johnston has been the most successful bowler for Ireland with six wickets from three matches and captain William Porterfield is willing to wait until tomorrow morning to decide on his final line-up.
"He bowled a couple of overs in the nets today. He ran in hard as well. We will wait and see how he reacts tomorrow," said Porterfield today. "Bowling 10 overs won't be a problem for him it seems. Standing on the park for 50 overs may be a problem. So we will wait and see how he shapes up tomorrow."
The Australia-born Johnston is vital for Ireland, who have two points from their win against England and will need four points from six in their next three games to have any hope of reaching the last eight stage.
Meanwhile, batsman Niall O'Brien will soon be reunited with his missing kit bag, which contained six bats.
"Niall won't have his bats for Friday's match against West Indies here. The bag would be transported directly to Kolkata, where the Irish squad will arrive Saturday for their last two encounters against South Africa and the Netherlands," said Ireland team manager Roy Torrens.
Ireland’s game against West Indies begins at 4am (Irish time) Friday and is broadcast live on Sky Sports 1.