Ireland boosted by Morgan

Eoin Morgan returns to the Ireland side for the clash

The Irish Cricket Union have announced a squad of 12 for their opening game against Scotland in the InterContinental Cup.

Ireland begin the defence of their trophy with a home tie against Scotland at Stormont in Belfast from August 9-12.

Boyd Rankin is again absent from the squad, but the Irish are boosted by the availability of star batsman Eoin Morgan, and wicket-keeper Niall O'Brien.

There is also a place in the 12 for leg-spinner Greg Thompson, who has been in action for Ireland 'A' against the MCC in Malahide this week.

Ireland coach Phil Simmons said: "Unfortunately Boyd hasn't fully recovered. He bowled last week, but experienced a little bit of pain. Greg Thompson has impressed me greatly with his leg-spin. He turns the ball a lot away from the bat, and he's a wicket-taker, which is exactly what we need."

Ireland squad: Trent Johnston (captain), Andre Botha, Alex Cusack, Thinus Fourie, Dave Langford-Smith, Eoin Morgan, Kyle Mc Callan, Kevin O'Brien, Niall O'Brien, Greg Thompson, William Porterfield, Andrew White