Cricket/Ireland training squad:Coach Phil Simmons has named a 22-man squad for winter training as Ireland prepare for another busy season of international cricket.
Opening batsman Jeremy Bray returns after taking a break from the Ireland camp following his exploits at the World Cup last year. There are a few notable names missing from the list, with World Cup players John Mooney, Kenny Carroll and David Langford-Smith all excluded.
Opening bowler Langford-Smith has ruled himself out for the first half of the 2008 season as he is starting a painting and decorating business, although he will still attend the training sessions in an effort to keep up his fitness.
There is still no place for former Irish captain Jason Molins, while Dom Joyce is also missing from the squad. While not excluding anyone from future selection, Simmons confirmed the squad that will travel to the UAE and Bangladesh in March will be chosen from the 22 named.
Simmons has included four members of Ireland's Under-19 World Cup squad, namely left-arm seamer Gavin McKenna, opening bat Paul Stirling, all-rounder James Hall and leg spinner Greg Thompson, who has already picked up nine senior caps.
Reinhardt Strydom, Phil Eaglestone, Peter Connell and Andrew Poynter make the step up after playing for Ireland A last summer against Denmark and the MCC.
IRELAND WINTER TRAINING SQUAD:Trent Johnston (Railway Union), Andre Botha (North County), Jeremy Bray (The Hills), Peter Connell (North Down), Alex Cusack (Clontarf), Phil Eaglestone (Strabane), Thinus Fourie (Merrion), James Hall (Waringstown), Gary Kidd (Waringstown), Kyle McCallan (Waringstown), Gavin McKenna (North Down), Eoin Morgan (Middlesex), Kevin O'Brien (Railway Union), Niall O'Brien (Northants), William Porterfield (Gloucestershire), Andrew Poynter (Clontarf), Boyd Rankin (Warwickshire), Paul Stirling (Cliftonville), Reinhardt Strydom (North County), Greg Thompson (Lisburn), Andrew White (Instonians), Gary Wilson (Surrey).
