Gillespie to finish business

Peter Gillespie © CricketEurope

Ireland's Peter Gillespie accepts he may be closer to the end of his international career than he is to the start of it - but he is determined to make the most of what remains.

When the Irish begin their World Cup campaign in the West Indies in March the all-rounder will be two months shy of his 33rd birthday.

The Caribbean carnival may well prove to be his swansong, but he hopes to extend the twilight of his career into the summer if possible.

“There are exciting things ahead; the European Championship to defend and a series of C&G matches against top professional sides in England to play,” he said.

“I hope, if we qualify, there's also the Twenty20 World Cup in South Africa (in September) - so there's a lot to play for.

“There are younger guys coming in every year - and with the exposure those guys are getting to England and playing professionally, I don't want to hold back someone else's development for my own personal gain.

“But it's a great thrill playing with these lads and it's something you want to go on for as long as possible.”

Because Ireland are a second-tier nation in terms of ICC status, very few of their players have had the opportunity to play full-blown one-day internationals.

In fact, Gillespie's limited three-match experience has been painful.

Starting last summer against England in Stormont, Gillespie began a run of three successive ducks - with failures following against Scotland and Holland.

Adrian Birrell has stuck by Peter Gillespie © CricketEurope

However, that did not deter coach Adrian Birrell from selecting him in the 15-man squad as long ago as August to enable all players to focus on the task ahead.

Gillespie has not enjoyed the best of relationships with previous coaches - but he has nothing but praise for the current South African incumbent.

“Adi had, in international terms, seemed to fly under the radar. But if you look at the work that he did in South Africa, every team that he coached had progressed,” he said.

“He's proved that with us as well. He's brought us the Intercontinental Cup and the European Championship - and he's brought us to the World Cup.”

Birrell has introduced a more professional attitude within the Irish set-up, and it is clearly paying off.

“During my days in South Africa, I was actively involved in all aspects of the game - and I mean all ... playing, coaching, fund-raising, ground maintenance, laying pitches, the lot,” he said.

“I feel that that has given me the proper grounding I need for the job at hand.

“The World Cup will be a new experience for everyone, and we intend to leave no stone unturned in our preparations.

“Qualifying for the World Cup has been the total focus for me over the last three years, but we must now be ready to move to the next level.

“Initially I was quite impressed with the standard locally - but with so much development happening all around us, it's essential that we keep improving.

“I have set us a goal of winning at least one game at the World Cup.”