Cricket:Ireland coach Phil Simmons believes the Ireland 'A' squad, announced today for the European Championships in the Netherlands, has every chance to impress and force their way into the senior side.
North County’s John Mooney captain the 14-man squad that includes 10 senior internationals as they look to defend the title they won at the same venue last year.
There are also five Under-19 panelists, who won the European championship in Jersey last weekend. One such player is Mooney’s club mate and first cousin, Eddie Richardson, is named at this level for the first time.
Paul Stirling, Andrew Balbirnie, Shane Getkate and young left-arm spinner George Dockrell are also named.
"It's a chance for the guys to impress, particularly the bowlers,” said Simmons. “We have an Intercontinental Cup game and two ODI's in Scotland after the championships, and then we're straight in to the RSA Challenge ODI with England on August 27th.”
“A few good performances in Holland, and they could well be in line for promotion to the senior squad. I'm sure that will be a great motivation for them."
The tournament takes place in Amsterdam and Rotterdam from August 11th-13th.
Ireland 'A'squad:
John Mooney (Capt) (North County), Andrew Balbirnie (Pembroke), Andrew Britton (Fox Lodge), George Dockrell (Leinster), Phil Eaglestone (Strabane), Shane Getkate (Malahide), James Hall (Waringstown), Nigel Jones (CSN), Gary Kidd (Waringstown), Fintan McAllister (Malahide), Andrew Poynter (Clontarf), Eddie Richardson (North County), Paul Stirling (Carrickfergus), Reinhardt Strydom (YMCA).
Reserves:Allen Coulter (CSN), Chris Dougherty (Bready), Thinus Fourie (North County), Rory McCann (Instonians).