All-rounder John Mooney returns to Ireland squad for UAE tour

Ireland all-rounder John Mooney is back in an experienced squad for next month's tour of the UAE.

The Dubliner returns from a hand injury while uncapped Instonians batsman James Shannon is preferred to Eglinton all-rounder Stuart Thompson.

Ireland will take on the hosts in Intercontinental Cup, World Cricket League and Twenty20 matches.

"These games are vital in our bid for one of the two automatic World Cup places," said Irish coach Phil Simmons.

Simmons has opted for a seasoned squad, with 12 of the 14 players selected having appeared in the ICC World Twenty20 in Sri Lanka.

"When the pressure is on, I've found there's no substitute for experience," added Simmons.

"Nine of our squad have played for their country 100 times or more, and 11 of them have World Cup experience."

Ireland play Canada in a warm-up game on 8-9 March before their first game with the UAE on 12 March.

Ireland squad: William Porterfield (captain), Alex Cusack, George Dockrell, Trent Johnston, Ed Joyce, John Mooney, Tim Murtagh, Kevin O'Brien, Niall O'Brien, James Shannon, Max Sorensen, Paul Stirling, Andrew White, Gary Wilson.

Fixtures:

Ireland v Canada (warm-up game) 8-9 March

UAE v Ireland (ICup) 12-15 March

UAE v Ireland (WCL) 18 March

UAE v Ireland (WCL) 20 March

UAE v Ireland (T20) 21 March