Ed Joyce is still keen to play Test cricket for England

On the day that he becomes qualified to play for England, Ed Joyce could be playing for Ireland in the opening stages of the ICC Trophy.

Joyce, who hit 192 for Middlesex on Friday, has been given permission by his county to appear in first stages of the event in Belfast from 1-7 July.

The Dublin-born left-hander will be back at Lord's on 8 July for the Championship game against Hampshire.

Ireland are also negotiating the release of Niall O'Brien from Kent.

While Joyce, however, is keen to help Ireland, he has always made it clear his number one priority is to qualify and play Test cricket for England.

The England and Wales Cricket Board contended that Joyce, 26, completes his four-year residential term on 1 July and is awaiting the International Cricket Council's sanctioning.