James McClean admitted he was "p*ssed" off with himself after picking up a suspension as Wrexham were held to a goalless draw with Harrogate Town.
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Wrexham held to 0-0 draw with Harrogate
Winger McClean to miss next two matches
Frustrated over his actions
Getty
WHAT HAPPENED?
The Red Dragons missed the chance to go joint top with League Two leaders Mansfield after failing to break down a resolute Harrogate at the Racecourse on Tuesday night. To make matters worse, former Republic of Ireland international McClean will miss the Welsh side's next two games due to picking up his 10th booking of the season – something he was "frustrated" about.
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WHAT JAMES MCCLEAN SAID
The 34-year-old wrote in an Instagram story: "A night of frustration, a point gained tho[ugh], p*ssed with myself picking up a suspension now but we drive her on."
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THE BIGGER PICTURE
While many Wrexham fans may feel like this result was two points dropped rather than one point gained, they are now up to second in the table with nine games remaining. However, third-placed Stockport have two games in hand and are just a point behind, and Crewe are just three points back in fourth. Although it is very close, Wrexham are in the automatic promotion spots ahead of the final stretch of the season.
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WHAT NEXT?
Phil Parkinson's Wrexham, who have the best home record in the division, have a chance to strengthen their hold on the automatic promotion spots when they host Tranmere at the weekend at the Racecourse.
Taylor has created herself a portfolio of superb leg-side stumpings including two this season
ESPNcricinfo staff22-Jun-2018Adam Gilchrist rates England wicketkeeper Sarah Taylor the best in the world across all formats of the game.Responding to a question in a interview during the ODI in Durham, Gilchrist highlighted Taylor’s work up to the stumps which has regularly been world-class.Taylor has created herself a portfolio of superb leg-side stumpings, alongside other examples of outstanding glovework, including two this season one of which was a breath-taking effort to remove Dane van Niekerk when she gathered a half volley from pace bowler Katherine Brunt.”I tweeted, no longer than a week ago, that she is the best wicketkeeper in the world at the moment – male or female,” Gilchrist said. “She’s done some work over the years in the Big Bash in Australia and with social media now you can see these little snippets.
“It’s a pretty bold statement, because there are a lot of fine wicketkeepers around – Alyssa Healy is another from the women’s game, just so skilful with soft hands effecting these leg-side stumpings.”[They] spend so much time up to the stumps with a little less pace on the ball in the women’s game [and are] so skilful, I’ve seen a lot and a couple in the internationals over the last week or two have been brilliant pieces of work.”
"How many injuries have we got?" barked Kieran Trippier to a disgruntled fan following Newcastle United's 2-0 defeat to Bournemouth on Saturday evening in what was a very unhappy return to the Vitality Stadium for manager Eddie Howe.
The Magpies are currently missing 13 players through injuries and suspensions and are down to the bare bones at the moment, having picked up just two wins from their last six games in all competitions.
The defence has been plagued with problems this season too. Both Dan Burn and Sven Botman will be missing in action for quite some time, while Matt Targett and Javi Manquillo are also unavailable. As a result, the Newcastle boss has already begun looking for defensive reinforcements.
Back in January, the Geordie club dipped into Premier League rivals Everton's pool of players to strengthen the squad ahead of a tense top-four race. Eventually, the two clubs agreed on a £45m fee for Anthony Gordon and the winger was on his way to St. James' Park.
Amid an injury crisis at the club, FootballTransfers are reporting that Newcastle have their eyes on another gem from Goodison Park and will look to make a move for defender Jarrard Branthwaite when the winter window opens up in a few weeks' time.
The outlet are claiming that Howe is a massive fan of the former PSV Eindhoven loanee and believes the centre-back can be the perfect successor for Fabian Schar in the heart of the defence.
It was reported during the summer that Manchester United were keeping tabs on the 21-year-old, with Everton slapping a price tag of £25m on his back, although Branthwaite has now become a regular starter under Sean Dyche so this fee may have risen since.
Jarrard Branthwaite's stats this season
Having joined the Toffees from Carlisle United in 2020 for £1m, Branthwaite has made 25 appearances in all competitions for Everton, with 12 coming this season alone.
Following an impressive performance and a clean sheet in a 3-0 win over Bournemouth back in October, journalist Elliot Bretland called the England U21s international an "unbelievable" talent as his stock at the highest level continues to rise.
In comparison with the rest of the centre-backs in the Premier League and Europe's top five leagues over the course of the last 365 days, Branthwaite impressively holds his own.
The defender is in the top 20% for tackles per 90, the top 8% for shots blocked per 90, the top 5% for passes blocked per 90 and the top 12% for ball recoveries per 90. Additionally, Branthwaite is also in the top 12% for goal-creating actions which proves he's also a threat from set-pieces and in the final third, not just a wonderful defender.
Branthwaite was Everton's Man of the Match during a 1-0 win away at West Ham at the end of the previous month. Premier League icon and pundit Alan Shearer described his display as "magnificent".
The Everton star is statistically better defensively than Schar this season and is winning 62.8% of his aerial duels while also making 1.7 interceptions per 90. In comparison, Newcastle's Swiss sergeant has won just 51.2% of his aerial duels this term and is making only 0.92 interceptions per 90.
Branthwaite has a higher ceiling than Schar and with the latter turning 32 in December, the Newcastle head coach would be wise to find a younger, long-term replacement.
The Everton defender fits the mould perfectly and could follow in the impressive footsteps of Gordon this winter. It's a transfer strategy that has already worked wonders with the young winger having registered six goal contributions this term. If Brathwaite could replicate performances like that, Howe and Co will have struck gold again.
Arsenal are expected by one journalist to seal the signing of one "unique" marquee star for manager Mikel Arteta, and he looks set to leave his club.
Who will Arsenal sign in January?
There are some holes to fix in Arteta's squad next year, despite their rip-roaring start to the new Premier League campaign. While Arsenal are unbeaten over their first nine top-flight matches, winning six of them, arguments remain over the lack of depth in certain areas. Going by some reports in the media, they've made no secret of their desire to sign another midfield player, leading to links with Royal Antwerp sensation Arthur Vermeeren and Wolves left-winger Pedro Neto.
Amid uncertainty surrounding the future of Thomas Partey, it wouldn't be a surprise to see Arteta shore up that area of the squad, with Partey apparently growing frustrated over his playing time despite the player's mounting injuries (90min). Meanwhile, Arsenal are said to want an alternative to Bukayo Saka out wide, leading to their reported interest in Neto (Football Transfers).
However, the most heavily linked star comes in the form of Brentford ace Ivan Toney. Arteta is lacking world-class strength in depth in the centre-forward area with just Gabriel Jesus and Eddie Nketiah to choose from, while summer signing Kai Havertz hasn't exactly pulled up many trees as the makeshift number nine option. As reported by reliable transfer journalist Fabrizio Romano, the "big name" Toney is "ready" to leave Brentford, which could hand Arsenal an opportunity.
"He’s another big name to watch for January," wrote Romano on his Daily Briefing last week.
"Arsenal and Chelsea are informed on Toney’s situation, they know his situation very well and that he’s ready to make a top club move in January. It will depend on how much these clubs want to spend.
"In any case, Toney is absolutely ready to leave Brentford."
Ivan Toney transfer update
The Englishman, who scored 20 league goals last season, is currently serving a ban for alleged gambling breaches but will return to the field in mid-January. Reporter Tom Roddy of The Times, speaking on The Game Football Podcast, fully expects Toney to join Arsenal – and adds to Romano's point that he looks set to leave his current club.
“Oh yeah, almost certainly, I think January," said Roddy when about Toney's possible exit.
"I think it will happen in January. I would be surprised if he played for Brentford again. My expectation is Arsenal. They have looked at him, there are multiple clubs that have looked at him, he’s on a list at Chelsea of interest, but you watch Arsenal and they create a lot of chances and they just don’t take them, that’s what they lack, a goalscoring striker."
The 27-year-old could cost as much as £80 million (ESPN), but alongside his excellent goal record in recent seasons, he's been praised as "unique" player by his manager Thomas Frank.
“Ivan is amazing in many, many aspects,” Frank said earlier this year.
“The way he copes with pressure and distractions is amazing. He’s been scoring goals, performing for the team and driving the team. He’s remarkable. I can only talk about the Ivan that I see every day around the place and he’s a fantastic person around the group. He’s got that unique emotional intelligence to be aware of all the players, and every staff member."
Liverpool’s diligence and careful planning over the past several years has allowed Richard Hughes and Michael Edwards to ride the crest of a wave of intent in the summer transfer market.
While the Reds’ defensive line was hampered by the departure of Trent Alexander-Arnold at the end of last season, Anfield’s vice-captain now coloured in Real Madrid white, FSG acted incisively to wrap up deals for new full-back pairing Milos Kerkez and Jeremie Frimpong, joining from Bournemouth and Bayer Leverkusen respectively.
The latter was the first to arrive, and boasts an electric kind of skill set which lends itself to a more attacking berth too. In this way, he can contest with Conor Bradley for a starring role while covering for Mohamed Salah on the right wing.
Frimpong certainly has offensive quality, once hailed as a “monster in the final third” by The United Stand’s Beth Tucker. Excitingly, he’s not even Liverpool’s best Leverkusen addition this summer, with Florian Wirtz welcomed to the fold for a British-record £116m fee.
The attacking midfielder has the lot, and will likely upgrade on the club’s existing attacking midfield options while concurrently replacing Alexander-Arnold’s limitless creativity.
Why Liverpool signed Florian Wirtz
Slot opened with an interesting gambit this summer, reorienting Liverpool’s creative focal point. Trent has long been regarded among the crème de la crème of playmaking in the Premier League, but he’s gone, and the champions were right in signing world-class talent more aligned with tactical conventions.
Florian Wirtz
Wirtz, 22, has been an utter menace for Bayer Leverkusen over the past several years, bursting from the youth scene with gusto, flooring seasoned professionals with his bounding strides. In 2023/24, he earned the honour of Bundesliga Player of the Year, vital in toppling Bayern Munich after an invincible domestic campaign.
He’s the real deal and will add more flair and flavour to a title-rich Liverpool team. Wirtz has something most every attacking midfielder yearns for: he brings completeness defined by its artful and industrious mix.
For example, Dominik Szoboszlai is a fantastic player, crucial for Liverpool, but he lacks the potency and speciality that Wirtz brings to the table.
Matches (starts)
31 (25)
36 (29)
Goals
10
6
Assists
12
6
Touches*
73.4
46.1
Shots (on target)*
2.5 (1.3)
1.9 (0.6)
Pass completion
82%
86%
Big chances created
17
12
Key passes*
1.8
1.6
Dribble success
2.6
0.6
Ball recoveries*
3.6
3.7
Tackles + interceptions*
1.3
1.4
Duels won*
5.2
2.8
Harvey Elliott’s feet wear a similar magic, but he lacks the clear definition of his German counterpart. Elliott, 22, has been touted with a move away from Merseyside this summer, Brighton and Borussia Dortmund among the frontrunners.
Should the Young Lion leave, Slot will want a replacement, and while Liverpool have one of the very best in Wirtz, they appear keen on signing yet another attacking midfielder who could bloom into one of Europe’s finest.
Liverpool prepare bid for La Liga sensation
According to Spanish sources, Liverpool are interested in signing Barcelona’s Fermin Lopez this summer. Fermin, 22, has enjoyed a fast rise from La Masia and is valued at €80m (roughly £69m).
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However, Hansi Flick’s focus on bringing attacking additions to Camp Nou has cast doubt over the Andalusian midfielder’s future, and Liverpool are ready to take advantage.
In fact, Anfield’s sporting director, Richard Hughes, is believed to be preparing a bid for the versatile star.
FC Barcelona'sFerminLopezin action with Las Palmas' Stefan Bajcetic
Liverpool might have signed Wirtz, but there’s room for such a profile to work on improving and blooming into a player of the highest class.
Why Liverpool want Fermin Lopez
Fermin is still young but he’s already established himself in a Barcelona side currently celebrating their La Liga and Copa del Rey double last year. The Spaniard also played a part in winning UEFA EURO 2024.
Spain'sDaniOlmo, Marc Cucurella and Fermin Lopez celebrate with the trophy after winning the final
In total, he’s played 88 matches for the La Blaugrana senior side. With 19 goals scored and 11 assists laid on for his teammates, Fermin has a developing sharpness that has been utilised both centrally and out on the left flank.
In this manner, he’s not too dissimilar to Wirtz, especially when considering he ranked, per 90, among the top 10% of positional peers across Europe’s top five leagues last season for goal contributions, the top 12% for pass completion, the top 9% for passes into the final third and the top 20% ball recoveries, as per FBref.
His positional fluidity and ball-playing focus link Fermin together with Liverpool’s new record man. However, there’s more. Digging deeper into the comparison, Fermin has been described by talent scout Jacek Kulig as being “simple and genius at the same time”.
There are exciting similarities in regard to the playmaking and pass-focused sides of the respective midfielders’ games, but don’t expect Fermin to bring as flashy and electric a game to Merseyside. He’s not that type of player.
However, Fermin’s alternate variation would give Liverpool the added dimension they need to continue to go from strength to strength under Slot’s wing.
FC Barcelona's Pau Cubarsi, JulesKoundeand Fermin Lopez celebrates their first goal scored by Raphinha
Across 28 La Liga fixtures in 2024/25, as per Sofascore, he scored six goals and supplied five assists, so he might be a somewhat more pragmatic player but he’s certainly not without his offensive uses.
Without overextending with his creativity, Fermin manages to play that Wirtz-esque passing game in an industrious and controlled manner. He will collect the ball so many times across the 90, parcelling it out this way and that.
Liverpool enjoyed a stunning 2024/25 campaign, but they were felled at points – in particular in crash-out losses against Paris Saint-Germain and Newcastle United – with both fixtures underscoring the need for more control and technical proficiency in the engine room.
Not that the Reds are lacking in that regard, just that they could do with that extra injection to win the lot next season. Wirtz and Fermin in tandem would likely help in that regard, for sure.
Slot's answer to Gyokeres: Hughes lines up Liverpool move for "crazy" CF
Liverpool have been named among the interested parties for this prolific forward.
Crystal Palace have submitted a bid worth £8.5 million to sign a 21-year-old rising star who wants to move to Selhurst Park, according to a recent report.
Crystal Palace chasing two new midfielders for Glasner
While the Eagles continue to wait for clarification on whether they will be playing in the Europa League or not next season, people behind the scenes are working hard on potential transfers, as Oliver Glasner and co. plan to improve many areas of the team regardless of how many fronts they are asked to compete on.
Crystal Palace make approach to bring in £20m midfielder along with Diomande
Crystal Palace already have their eyes on their next transfer target amid talks with Diomande.
ByBrett Worthington Jun 23, 2025
Midfield appears to be the priority for the South Londoners at this moment in time, as they work on not just one but two new midfield signings. Last week, it was reported by Alan Nixon, via TBR Football, that Palace had made an approach to RC Lens over signing Andy Diouf.
Despite potentially having European football, Palace are aware they could lose Adam Wharton in this transfer window and therefore want to have a replacement ready. It would cost the Premier League side just £20 million to get a deal wrapped up.
As Palace weigh where to go next with a deal for Diouf, reports also claim the Eagles have made contact with Brighton & Hove Albion player Igor Julio over a potential move to Selhurst Park. The South Londoners are not the only Premier League team chasing a deal, as Wolverhampton Wanderers are also interested in signing the midfielder, but he is said to be prioritising a move out of England at this moment in time.
Crystal Palace submit £8.5m striker bid
Despite the excellent form of Jean-Philippe Mateta last season, the Eagles are in the market for a new striker as well as new midfielders. According to Africa Foot, Crystal Palace have made a 10 million euros (£8.5m) bid to sign Oumar Diakité from Stade de Reims.
The report states that given Stade de Reims’ relegation to Ligue 2, Diakite is among the players attracting interest across Europe. But Palace are the ones who have made a concrete move to sign the young striker, and the Eagles are in a good position to complete a transfer, as Diakite is keen on the move to Selhurst Park.
As well as making a bid, Palace have also offered the player a five-year contract and are ready to pay him 3.5 million euros a year, which is roughly £2.9 million. The concern Palace do face is that Stade de Reims are not rushing to sell the player and are waiting for more ‘miraculous’ offers to arrive.
Apps
33
Goals
4
Assists
1
Palace’s interest in the 21-year-old is not new, as back in November it was reported that the Premier League side had identified Diakite as a long-term replacement for Mateta. The Ivory Coast international has shown in the last couple of seasons he knows where the back of the net is, but the hope will be for him to learn under the French star, not replace him.
Newcastle United have been a cut above the previous standard since Eddie Howe's arrival two years ago, having turned consistent relegation battles into a fight for European football and success on the continental scene.
The PIF takeover has, of course, been a crucial ingredient to their transformation, as the riches presented to the Englishman have allowed him to splash the cash in the transfer window.
While the likes of Kieran Trippier, Bruno Guimaraes and Alexander Isak were brought in as a result of this influx of investment – and have formed the backbone of their success – much credit has to go to Howe for his transformation of several fringe players, who were at the club prior to his arrival.
One of those is energetic midfielder Sean Longstaff.
Sean Longstaff's career so far
A product of Newcastle's youth academy – after joining at the age of nine – Longstaff has been plying his trade in black and white for 17 years but it's only recently where his attributes have been allowed to flourish.
The 26-year-old's journey towards first-team stardom has been a tricky one, as the early years of his development were blighted by injuries and this curtailed his chances of becoming a regular fixture in the senior setup.
sean-longstaff-newcastle-opinion
From being loaned out to Kilmarnock and Blackpool between 2017 and 2018 to suffering multiple serious injuries that saw him miss 120 days of the 2018/19 campaign, Longstaff never managed to nail a place in the starting XI, but that all changed when Howe arrived at the club.
Now a crucial cog in Newcastle's side due to his boundless amounts of energy, who brings the best out of midfield partners Joelinton and Bruno Guimaraes, Longstaff is an "unsung hero" as dubbed by pundit Paul Merson – who has popped up with some incredible moments for the Toon in recent times.
After scoring a brace in the Carabao Cup semi-final against Southampton last term to notching in the Champions League against PSG, it is clear to see why the term unsung hero is coined for the Englishman.
However, it's more than just his goals that have impressed the masses this term.
Sean Longstaff's current transfer value
Longstaff has appeared in all but one match for Newcastle this season, scoring three times and assisting once.
In addition to popping up with match-winning moments from midfield, the 26-year-old has demonstrated his ability to drive the attacking phases of play.
Sean Longstaff
He is particularly adept at providing dangerous progressive passes forward and this is a crucial attribute to have as a midfielder.
Dubbed as "outstanding" previously by journalist Henry Winter, Longstaff averages 5.32 progressive passes per game, 2.22 touches in the attacking penalty box and 3.55 progressive passes received, as per FBref.
Clearly able to dictate the tempo of a match with his exquisite passing range and composure, his main strength is covering ground and winning possession back for his team, having averaged 3.8 balls recovered, 1.3 tackles and 3.2 duels won this term.
As a result of his impressive displays that have caught the eye, Longstaff is now worth £26m (€30m), as per Football Observatory, which is a testament to how much he's improved in recent years.
Declan Rice became the most expensive West Ham United academy graduate in the history of the club when he completed his move away from the London Stadium this year.
The England international signed for Arsenal for a club-record £105m, which is a record between two English clubs and just shy of the British transfer record of £106.8m that was set by Enzo Fernandez' move to Chelsea from Benfica.
West Ham's current most valuable former academy players:
Declan Rice
£78m
Josh Cullen
£11.2m
Ben Johnson
£8.6m
Toni Martinez
£6m
Sorba Thomas
£5.2m
A number of talented players have come through the youth set-up for the Hammers over the years and the likes of Frank Lampard, Joe Cole, and Rio Ferdinand paved the way for them when they became England stars after starting their careers in London.
Rice appears to be the next academy graduate who is set to enjoy a fantastic career now that he has moved to Champions League side Arsenal, but West Ham do not always make the best decisions over their young prospects.
One player whom David Moyes may now regret allowing to move on too early is central midfielder Pierre Ekwah, who departed the club in January to sign for Championship side Sunderland.
How many appearances did Ekwah make for West Ham?
The French battler did not make a single first-team appearance for the Hammers during his time at the London Stadium but did catch the eye with his performances at youth level.
He racked up nine goals and three assists in 39 U21 matches before his move to the Black Cats. However, that was not enough to convince Moyes to hand him an opportunity to impress at senior level.
Ekwah did showcase his quality against first-team opposition in the EFL Trophy for West Ham, though, during the first half of the 2022/23 campaign.
Sunderland midfielder Pierre Ekwah.
The midfield ace averaged a Sofascore rating of 7.00 across three appearances against Walsall, MK Dons, and Cheltenham as he caught the eye on and off the ball.
His creativity was on full display with two key passes per game for his teammates to open up the opposition's defence at the top end of the pitch. Meanwhile, no Hammers player managed more than 1.4 key passes per match throughout the Premier League season last term.
He also made two tackles and interceptions combined per outing and won 54% of his individual duels, as per Sofascore, which showed that the young gem was ready to deal with the physicality of the professional game.
These displays for West Ham came after he started his career with Chelsea, where Ekwah scored five goals and provided two assists in 24 matches for their U18 side.
How much was Ekwah worth at West Ham?
At the time of his move to Sunderland in January 2023, FootballTransfers placed the central midfielder's Expected Transfer Value (xTV) at just €60k (£52k).
Sunderland midfielder Pierre Ekwah.
He had yet to make the first senior appearance of his career and the Black Cats took a leap of faith to sign him from the London-based side as Tony Mowbray seemingly saw the potential there for Ekwah to be an excellent option for his team.
Whereas, Moyes never offered him the chance to shine in a West Ham shirt in a competitive setting and sanctioned a permanent exit for him in January, without seeing what he could do out on loan or in a match for his first-team.
How many games has Ekwah played for Sunderland?
Mowbray has made the France U20 international a key cog in his Black Cats side this season and he has made 25 appearances for the club in total this year.
However, Ekwah did not become an immediate success at the Stadium of Light as the second half of last season was a struggle at times.
He had not played any senior football before his move to Wearside and the end of the 2022/23 campaign was his introduction to the professional game.
The French gem averaged an unimpressive Sofascore rating of 6.57 across 14 Championship appearances for Sunderland, which was the 23rd-highest score within their squad. This shows that the midfield maestro struggled to adapt at first as he was not among the club's top performers.
Ekwah, who journalist Josh Bunting once hailed as "excellent", has now found his feet at senior level, though, and has emerged as an outstanding player for Mowbray at the start of the 2023/24 campaign.
He has averaged an excellent Sofascore rating of 7.27 across six Championship games so far this term, which is the fifth-highest score within the club, and caught the eye with his fantastic performances in midfield.
The former Chelsea prospect has been reliable in possession with 90% of his attempted passes being completed and showcased his defensive instincts with three tackles and interceptions per game, to go along with two goals, as per Sofascore.
How much is Ekwah worth now?
At the time of writing (29/09/2023), FootballTransfers has placed his xTV at €3.4m (£2.9m) and this shows that his market value has skyrocketed since leaving West Ham in January.
His xTV has soared by a staggering 5,566% from the initial €60k that he was valued at earlier this year, which shows that exposure to first-team football has helped him to thrive as a player.
Mowbray and Sunderland showed faith in the young dynamo's ability and they are now benefitting from it on the pitch with his sublime performances in the Championship this season.
Ekwah also has the time, at the age of 21, to develop and increase his value further at the Stadium of Light, which could be helped if they are able to secure promotion to the Premier League.
Therefore, Moyes had a mare with the sale of the former Chelsea academy prospect in January as his xTV has soared since his London Stadium exit and the Scottish head coach did not give him a chance to prove himself with the Hammers.
West Ham could also have sent him out on loan instead of sanctioning a permanent move in order to see how he would fare with regular first-team football.
This could have given the manager the evidence he needed to make a decision on the player's future, instead of doing so without knowing how he would cope with senior games.
The selectors have left out Barry McCarthy and Craig Young from the squad that took part in the recently concluded tri-series in Deventer
ESPNcricinfo staff22-Jun-2018
Joshua Little gets congratulated by Jacob Mulder and Craig Young after taking his maiden international wicket•Peter Della Penna
Joshua Little and Andy McBrine have been recalled to a 14-man Ireland squad that will take on India in two T20Is on June 27 and 29 in Malahide. Gary Wilson will continue to captain the side.Little, 18, is a left-arm fast bowler who has played only four T20s so far – two of them T20Is – and was part of the Ireland team in the Under-19 World Cup in New Zealand in January this year. McBrine, 25, is an offspinning allrounder who has already played 30 ODIs and 19 T20Is, though his last T20I was in March 2017.Ireland squad
Gary Wilson (capt), Andrew Balbirnie, Peter Chase, George Dockrell , Josh Little, Andy McBrine, Kevin O’Brien, William Porterfield, Stuart Poynter, Boyd Rankin, James Shannon, Simi Singh, Paul Stirling, Stuart Thompson IN: Josh Little, Andy McBrine OUT: Barry McCarthy, Craig Young
Ireland have played only one T20I against India, back in 2009 at Trent Bridge during the World T20 that year. India won that game by eight wickets with 4.3 overs to spare, thanks to Zaheer Khan’s 4 for 19.The Ireland selectors have left out Barry McCarthy and Craig Young from the squad that took part in the recently concluded tri-series in Deventer, where Ireland won one match, lost two and tied one game.Before the series against India, Ireland will play a T20 against Sussex Sharks at the Arundel Castle Cricket Ground on June 24, which will also be Ed Joyce’s testimonial match. Joyce announced his retirement after Ireland made their long-awaited Test debut.Andrew White, the chairman of selectors, said the squad for the India matches had been chosen with a view to giving exposure to players for the future as well as being competitive, and the game against Sussex would help finalise Ireland’s XI.”The selectors have chosen what we believe to be a strong, in-form squad for this format of the game that balances experience with youth,” White said. “Our deliberations were around finding a side that was competitive now, but with an eye on the future.”Many in the squad will be either travelling to Sussex this weekend for the Ed Joyce Testimonial match on Sunday, or will be re-joining the senior squad from their English County sides. We had a good look at a number of players on the recent tri-series in the Netherlands and this weekend’s match in Sussex will firm up the decisions made on the final playing eleven for the first fixture on Wednesday.”White identified building a good group of players for the World T20 qualifiers as one of the aims.”We will continue our approach of providing opportunities for a wider pool of players to gain experience in T20 cricket on the international stage,” he said. “With around 12 months to go to the World T20 Cup qualifiers, we are looking to build a competitive squad for that qualification stage and hopefully propel us into the main tournament in 2020.”