Skipper Terry O'Connor has insisted his Ireland squad are not rugby mercenaries as they bid to set-up a World Cup quarter-final clash with England.

O'Connor is one of 13 players in the 23strong party who was born in England with the rest made up of eight Australians - and just two hailing from Ireland.

The Irish could field three players who have previously appeared for England in the likely clash at Headingley on November 11th if they see off the New Zealand Maori at Tolka Park tomorrow (6.30). But O'Connor, whose team are two points clear in Group Four, said the foreign-born players were committed to the Irish cause.

"No-one can say we are just a bunch of Englishmen or Aussies because we are all very proud of our Irish heritage and want to play for Ireland," said the Liverpool-born player.

"We have all turned our backs on England or Australia and we want to give the Irish something to be proud of. No one can question our allegiance."

O'Connor, who skippered his side to victory over Scotland at Tolka Park on Wednesday night, added: "My grandparents were Irish and I am proud that they were here to watch me lead an Irish side out.

"We all get a buzz out of singing Ireland's Call. It sent shivers down our backs.

"We also sung it at the end of the game. There is a great atmosphere in the squad - there are no big players."

The Wigan stalwart also paid tribute to the support they have received in their two games so far as they attempt to increase the popularity of rugby league in Ireland.

The 18-6 defeat of Scotland which left them the only unbeaten team in Group Four was watched by just over 1,700 people with around 3,200 turning up for last weekend's victory over Samoa at Windsor Park.