Thompson captains Ireland

Greg Thompson has played in the last two U19 World Cups

The Irish Cricket Union have announced a 15-man squad to play in the upcoming Under-19 World Cup in Malaysia.

The team will be captained by Greg Thompson, who will be playing in his third World Cup, having previously taken part in Bangladesh in 2004, and Sri Lanka in 2006.

Ireland have been drawn in Group D, along with England, Bangladesh and Bermuda. The games will take place around Kuala Lumpur, with Ireland opening their campaign against England on February 17.

The Irish came desperately close to beating England in the last competition, losing by just four runs, with Thompson being dismissed off the final ball of the game.

The team then face Bangladesh on February 20, where they will they will be hoping to emulate their senior colleagues, who convincingly beat Bangladesh in Barbados during the Super Eight phase of the ICC World Cup.

The group stage concludes the following day with a fixture against fellow Associate qualifier Bermuda. The team will have at least two warm-up games prior to the start of the tournament, against Namibia on February 12 and Nepal on February 14.

Paul Stirling has impressed in the past few seasons

Coach Brian O' Rourke is happy with the composition of his squad, saying: "The players have been working hard in training, and are eagerly awaiting the start of the World Cup.

"The squad has a good blend of youth and experience, with four having played in Sri Lanka in 2006 (Thompson, Hall, Keaveney and Mc Kenna), and no fewer than seven players under the age of 17.

"We have a very strong batting line-up, with Stirling and Dougherty being particularly impressive over the past few seasons. Ben Ackland has been over at Northants, while Graham McDonnell, Andrew Balbirnie, James Hall, James Shannon and Shane Getkate are all very talented players.

"We have plenty of options in the bowling department, and the squad is full of all-rounders. We are particularly strong in the spin department, which I feel will be crucial, given the type of pitches we are likely to encounter in Malaysia.

"With both England and Bangladesh in our group, the standard of cricket we are likely to face is very high, but it will be the experience of a lifetime for the boys. We have put in a lot of hard work, and our fitness levels are improving all the time.

"We will be doing more hard work in January, with sessions at Skerries Hockey Club, and the National Aquatic Centre in Blanchardstown. This will be undoubtedly be the fittest Under-19 squad that has ever represented Ireland."

Ireland squad: Greg Thompson, Ben Ackland, Andrew Balbirnie, Andrew Britton, Christopher Dougherty, Shane Getkate, James Hall, Richard Keaveney, Theo Lawson, Graham McDonnell, Gavin McKenna, Lee Nelson, Stuart Poynter, James Shannon, Paul Stirling.