North West trio in Ireland A squad

Donemana’s Andy McBrine, Eglinton’s Stuart Thompson along with former Brigade batsman Chris Dougherty are all in the squad.

The chance to earn a place at the ICC World T20 in Bangladesh will be the carrot dangling in front of a star-studded Ireland A team when they embark on a two-week tour of Sri Lanka in the New Year.

The squad will undergo a training camp under the watchful eyes of head coach Phil Simmons and his assistant Peter Johnston. In addition there will be four games - two 50-overs and two T20s - against local opponents.

“It’s a great opportunity for these players to show me just what they’re capable of,” said Simmons.

“There are spots on the touring squads available and the extra motivation of going to a World Cup.

“It’s always good to get a look at players in different conditions and under the pressure of playing abroad on unfamiliar pitches. There’s a healthy competition for places amongst Irish players now, and we have genuine depth to add to the quality that was always there.

“There’s no doubt that Sri Lanka will prove a challenging environment with their traditionally spin-friendly pitches, but it’s ideal in that it will be similar to what we’ll face in Bangladesh in March.”

Simmons revealed that the selectors opted against calling up North West duo Craig Young and Graeme McCarter and fellow pace man Peter Chase, who are currently in Australia.