North West pair want a lot more feel good Ireland factor

The pair, who were part of the Ireland squad, which claimed the ICC World Twenty20 qualifier trophy after defeating Afghanistan in Saturday’s pulsating final in Abu Dhabi, now are aiming to force their way into Phil Simmons’ side for the World Cup in 2015.

“It was a fantastic experience and something, which I want more off,” stated McBrine.

“Although myself and Stuarty didn’t get much game time, we both enjoyed the experience and to be fair we know how hard it is to get into the team, because they are some side.”

Although still young in cricketing terms, the 20-year-old is already planning ahead for next season’s campaign with Donemana

“We were all together for five weeks and the preparation and work which goes on behind the scenes really was an eye opener for me,” he added.

“I know what I have to do over the winter in terms of trying to force my way into the Ireland squad, because all the guys put in a lot of work, in fact cricket now really is all year round, if you want to make it at the highest level.

“After the T20 I certainly want to give it my all and try to reach that level. Hopefully I’ll be able to force my way into the Ireland A squad which heads on tour next month.

“Although I’m back home now, I’ll be doing a lot of hard work during the winter in preparation for next season not just for Donemana, but for the (North West) Warrriors and hopefully Ireland.”

McBrine concedes that his experience in Abu Dhabi means he’ll be looking to pass it onto the likes of Gary and William McClintock and younger brother William as they are all playing cricket with Ireland at under-age level.

“Now I know what it takes to play at the highest level for Ireland, I know what work all the players put in behind the scenes and it’s something which I’ll be talking to the likes of the McClintock brothers and my wee brother William, that they need to put the work in if they even think about trying to progress further.

“They are good cricketers, but having seen the best of Irish cricket, you really need to work hard all year round.”

Having played in quite a few under age tournaments with Ireland over the years, McBrine has like any young player suffered with home sickness, but this time he admits he didn’t have much time to think about home.

“To be honest although we were away for five weeks, we had plenty to do and there wasn’t much down time.

“As I said now that I have experienced a big major tournament at the highest level I just want more and I’ll be working really hard to try and force my way into the World Cup squad for 2015.”

As for Thompson, he along with a new Ireland squad, which will again be skippered by former Donemana man William Porterfield, travel back to the UAE again on Friday, looking to complete a memorable treble in 2013.

Once again the Afghans will provide the opposition at the ICC Global Academy ground in Dubai in the five-day encounter which is the Intercontinental Cup final.

This is the only trophy in Associate cricket which Ireland do not hold at the moment but there is a confidence about the squad, which welcomes back experienced duo Ed Joyce and Andrew White that suggests that will be put right.