Stirling job sees Irish eye title

OUT WITH the old, in with the new — as the debate over Eoin Morgan’s future continued yesterday his replacement helped Ireland to beat Italy by four wickets at Malahide and move a game closer to retaining the European Championship.

Paul Stirling, a 17-year-old right-hander from Belfast, ended a dismal run in the national team by stroking a composed 56 not out to steer his side past Italy’s 158 for six with 13.1 overs to spare.

After the game, national coach Phil Simmons confirmed that he is still awaiting Morgan’s response to an ultimatum that he either makes himself available for all four days of this weekend’s Twenty20 World Cup qualifiers in Belfast, or that he misses the event.