Future’s bright for NW insists Ireland skipper

Bready bowler Craig Young had an impressive Ireland debut last week, against Scotland.

Despite struggling, Porterfield feels the Warriors will have learned a lot from this year’s competition and they will come back stronger next year.

Bobby Rao’s side play their final game in the competition, this Saturday when they host Leinster Lightning, at Strabane.

“There are a lot of young lads who are knocking around, who have to eyeing up the 2015 World Cup from our point of view,” admitted Porterfield.

“The more experience and exposure they can get is very help for them. That’s why the Interprovincial series has been good, it’s obviously a better standard than club cricket and it shows them what is required in terms of stepping up.

“Before this series in Ireland there isn’t much or if any multi day being played and I think that’s a learning curve for everyone.

“Obviously there are a few of the Ireland lads who are playing for Leinster who are used to the multi day stuff, but the majority of the players in the series this will be new to them.”

Only last week duo Andy McBrine and Craig Young made their Irish debut, while fellow North West men Stuart Thompson and Graeme McCarter also played their part in that Ireland victory over Scotland in the ICC Intercontinental Cup game in Dublin.

Another man who continues to knock on Phil Simmons’ door is former Brigade man Christopher Dougherty.

“Despite having a tough Interprovincial series this year, I think the North West is only going to improve,” admitted the former Donemana man.

“The talent always comes through the North West and I don’t think they’ll be too far away, once they find their feet in the competition.”

Bready and Sussex seam bowler Young enjoyed a dream full international debut as Ireland in last weekend’s win over the Scots.

Young was relieved to be in Irish colours after a terrible time with injuries.

“Today was a long time coming. It was the hardest winter I have done, not knowing what lay ahead,” he stated.

“It was nice to be called in. I knew what I wanted to do and it’s brilliant to be back. I had stress fractures in my back in 2011 and I had stress fracture in my hip last year.

“The specialist didn’t know why I had got it, as it’s not common in cricket and with a stress fracture there’s nothing you can do, you are out of the game for six months.

“If I keep working hard and asking questions you never know what the future holds.”