Ireland have named a full-strength squad for the World Cup qualifiers against Scotland at Stormont in Belfast next week.
Ireland sealed qualification for the 2015 World Cup with a win and a tie against the Netherlands in Amsterdam at the beginning of July, but with the second automatic spot still up for grabs they are obliged to put out their strongest side.
The selectors have name the same squad that takes on England in the RSA Challenge at Malahide next Tuesday for the games against the Scots, who are vying for the second automatic slot in a four-way battle with the Dutch, Afghanistan and the UAE in the final round of fixtures.
Ireland’s domestic season ends with a four-day game against Scotland in the Intercontinental Cup at Castle Avenue in Clontarf, with the selectors including seven players not involved in the one-day matches.
Six of Ireland’s County-based players will return to England, with seven players coming in, including three uncapped players.
With Trent Johnston being rested, Sussex bowler Craig Young is called up, while Donemana's off-spinning all-rounder Andy McBrine comes in for George Dockrell. CIYMS opening batsman Chris Dougherty is also handed a call, with Gloucestershire bowler Graeme McCarter in line to win a second cap.
Middlesex's Andrew Balbirnie and Merrion's John Anderson will boost the batting resources, with Stuart Poynter taking over the wicket-keeping duties from Gary Wilson. William Porterfield will captain Ireland in both the World Cup qualifiers and the Intercontinental Cup match.
Ireland have already qualified for the final of the Intercontinental Cup, where they will be looking to win the trophy for the fourth time.
IRELAND (Squad for World Cup qualifiers v Scotland, Stormont, Belfast, September 6th and 8th): William Porterfield (Warwickshire, capt), George Dockrell (Somerset), Trent Johnston (YMCA), Ed Joyce (Sussex), John Mooney (North County), Tim Murtagh (Middlesex), Kevin O'Brien (Railway Union), Niall O'Brien (Leicestershire), Eddie Richardson (North County), Max Sorensen (The Hills), Paul Stirling (Middlesex), Andrew White (Instonians), Gary Wilson (Surrey).
Squad for Intercontinental Cup match v Scotland, September 11th-14th, Castle Avenue, Clontarf: W Porterfield (capt), John Anderson (Merrion), Andrew Balbirnie (Middlesex), Chris Dougherty (CIYMS), Andrew McBrine (Donemana), Graeme McCarter (Gloucestershire), J Mooney, K O'Brien, Stuart Poynter (Clontarf/MCC YC), E Richardson, M Sorensen, P Stirling, A White, Craig Young (Sussex).
