Ireland can only get stronger: Johnston

Facing genuine world stars like Sachin Tendulkar and Rahul Dravid can only help to improve Ireland's cricketers, according to captain Trent Johnston.

India play a one-day match against the Irish today and Johnston, who knows a thing or two about beating top-ranked sides after tasting victory over Pakistan in this year's World Cup, expects his team to benefit.

"Playing these sides is great as the young lads get to test themselves against legends of the game like Sachin Tendulkar and Rahul Dravid," said the Australia-born all-rounder.

"Just to say you have faced those players is incredible and every one of our lads is looking forward to it."

"It's important the younger guys make the step up but we are confident they are ready. When they are given a chance like this, they need to grab it with both hands."

Until today, India were the only Test-playing nation Ireland had not faced and Johnston's injury-hit side were up against it before a ball was bowled.

World Cup bowling heroes Boyd Rankin, Ant Botha and Dave Langford-Smith were all absent and the batting was also depleted.

Peter Gillespie has retired while Jeremy Bray asked not to be selected - as did Middlesex batsman Eoin Morgan, who has set his sights on following compatriot Ed Joyce into the England team.

But Johnston revealed the road to the 2011 World Cup would start at Stormont with his new-look side.

"These lads have got their chance because of injuries and players not leaving their counties," he added.

"We've still got some very talented young cricketers and are the European champions at several youth levels. Thinus Fourie is one player to look out for. He is South Africa-born and has been in Ireland for the last seven or eight years."

"He took three wickets in our recent match with Middlesex and will be a big part of our bid to reach the 2011 World Cup."

"Roger Whelan and a lot of the other guys are also very talented and deserve their chance and I'm confident we are capable of competing with sides like South Africa and India."