Ed Joyce will feel more at home than most today when Ireland's cricketers take on the MCC at Lord's in only their second match in England this season.

Joyce has spent most of the last month with professional county side Middlesex, who are based at the famous old ground, and although he has yet to play a first-team match, the young left-hander has impressed good judges like former England captain, Mike Gatting.

The 20-year-old from Merrion scored a half-century in the corresponding two-day fixture in 1997 and another solid performance this week will only confirm opinion at Middlesex that Joyce has what it takes to make the grade.

Middlesex head coach Ian Gould said: "There is no question Ed is very talented - all he needs is a bit more experience on English pitches."

Ireland coach Mike Hendrick has been heard to mutter that gaining experience on an English pitch is about all this particular game at Lord's is good for.

The MCC field a number of familiar faces from England's minor counties and the bi-annual match follows a traditional pattern of three declarations followed by a final afternoon run chase.

"It's soft cricket," said the Ireland coach. "I'd much prefer to play two limited overs matches, but it does give the youngsters a taste of playing in a big ground."

The occasion should give Hendrick another chance to assess the progress of Richard McDaid, a young seam bowler from the North West, who could be the next to attract the attention of county scouts.

Ireland: A Dunlop (capt), J Molins, B Archer, P Davy, E Joyce, K McCallan, G Cooke, J Bushe, R McDaid, J Davy, G Molins.