Joyce back in Irish World Cup squad

ED JOYCE has returned to the Ireland Cricket squad for the World Cup.

The 32-year-old, who played for England in the 2007 competition, was one of 15 players named by coach Phil Simmons yesterday for the tournament in Bangladesh, India and Sri Lanka from February 19 to April 2.

Having failed to tie down a place in the England squad, Joyce is back for Ireland after gaining special dispensation for the International Cricket Council (ICC) in an experienced line up that includes the likes of captain William Porterfield, Trent Johnston, the O’Brien brothers Niall and Kevin as well as John Mooney and Andrew White. Amongst those who will be playing at the World Cup for the first time will be teenage spin bowler George Dockrell along with Middlesex’s Paul Sterling.