Cricket: Captain Trent Johnston has challenged Ireland's new generation to finally come of age when they step out against international heavyweights India tomorrow.
The 33-year-old will lead his youngsters into one-day battle against Rahul Dravid's superstars confident the future of Irish cricket is in safe hands.
Only seven members of the squad which beat Pakistan to reach the Super Eights stage of the World Cup will take on the tourists, but the man who hit the winning runs in Jamaica dismissed claims the team is treading water.
Rookies Roger Whelan, Gary Kidd, Alex Cusack and Thinus Fourie - who have just five international appearances between them - are all set to play against India and Johnston has backed them to produce the goods.
"At the World Cup people questioned where the next generation of Irish cricketers would come from - well here they are," Johnston said.
"These matches could be the start of a new era. We've got a new coach (former West Indies international Phil Simmons) who is bringing new things to the table and a group of young players with new ideas.
"Of course we're looking to rebuild but the fact that we still have a strong squad shows we've got a lot of depth.
"Playing these sides is great as the young lads get to test themselves against legends of the game like Sachin Tendulkar and Rahul Dravid.
"Just to say you have faced those players is incredible and every one of our lads is looking forward to it.
"It's important the younger guys make the step up but we are confident they are ready. When they are given a chance like this they need to grab it with both hands."
India are the only Test-playing nation Ireland are yet to face and Johnston's injury-hit side are up against it before a ball is bowled.
World Cup bowling heroes Boyd Rankin, Ant Botha and Dave Langford-Smith are all absent and the batting is also depleted.
Peter Gillespie has retired while Jeremy Bray has asked not to be selected - as has Middlesex batsman Eoin Morgan, who has set his sights on following compatriot Ed Joyce into the England team.
But Johnston revealed the road to the 2011 World Cup starts at Stormont with his new-look side.
"These lads have got their chance because of injuries and players not leaving their counties," added the Australian-born all-rounder.
"We've still got some very talented young cricketers and are the European champions at several youth levels.
"Thinus is one player to look out for. He is South African-born and has been in Ireland for the last seven or eight years.
"He took three wickets in our recent match with Middlesex and will be a big part of our bid to reach the 2011 World Cup.
"Roger and a lot of the other guys are also very talented and deserve their chance and I'm confident we are capable of competing with sides like South Africa and India."