Trent Johnston (29/04/74)
Australian fast bowler who graduated from grade cricket in Sydney to captain Ireland in the one-day international against England early in the 2006 summer. Bats in the middle order.

Niall O'Brien (08/11/81)
Wicket-keeper batsman who has earned almost as much of a reputation for his fiery temperament - as befits his red hair - as his accomplished glovework. Left Kent for Northants in 2006.

Kevin O'Brien (04/03/84)
Brother of wicket-keeper Niall, O'Brien is among a clutch of youngsters in the Ireland set-up of whom much is expected. A genuine all-rounder who bowls seamers at a lively pace.

Andre Botha (12/09/75)
Another non-native in the Ireland squad, South African-born Botha is an accomplished left-handed batsman and occasional medium-pacer. Top scored with 52 against England last June.

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Jeremy Bray (30/11/73)
Left-handed batsman who originates from Sydney. Made 78 and 109 against the UAE in the Intercontinental Cup semi-final and a measured 64 to help Ireland to victory in the final.

Kenny Carroll (22/03/83)
Led Ireland to glory in the European Under-23 Championships last year, and selected for the World Cup squad ahead of former captain Jason Molins, largely on the basis of promise rather than performances.

Peter Gillespie (11/05/74)
Remains a valuable member of the squad more than a decade after making his Ireland debut. Ireland's leading run-scorer in the C&G Trophy last year.

Dave Langford-Smith (07/12/76)
Fast-medium bowler who has taken wickets at all levels, most notably 5-65 against Scotland in the 2006 Intercontinental Cup. Likely to share the new ball with Trent Johnston.

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Kyle McCallan (27/08/75)
A product of the Ireland youth system, all-rounder McCallan took a wicket with his first ball on his debut and underlined his batting prowess with a century in his next game. Now Ireland's most capped player.

John Mooney (10/02/82)
First-change bowler who took three wickets - albeit it at a cost of 79 - in 10 overs against England last year. Capable of more than token lower-order resistance.

Paul Mooney (15/10/76)
Economical medium-pacer who numbers Andy and Grant Flower among his victims. Competent tail-end batsman who boasts a wealth of experience.

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Eoin Morgan (10/09/86)
Aged just 20, all the signs are that left-handed Morgan has a fine career ahead of him. Extremely highly thought of at Middlesex, where he plays alongside former Ireland team-mate Ed Joyce.

William Porterfield (06/09/84)
Another promising youngster in the Ireland ranks, Porterfield - a left-handed batsman - is yet to play first-class cricket. Progressed to the senior squad from the under-19 side.

Boyd Rankin (05/07/84)
Tall fast bowler who showed sufficient promise for Middlesex 2nd XI and Ireland Under-19s to earn a contract with Derbyshire at the end of the 2006 season.

Andrew White (03/07/80)
All-rounder who has shone with the bat during the early stages of his first-class career, although his appearances for Northamptonshire have been fleeting.