Vernon Philander is set to be a big hit with Ireland supporters

The 21-year-old, who was recommended by outgoing Irish coach Adrian Birrell, has a stress fracture in his back.

Birrell's replacement Phil Simmons will now step up the search for two signings to boost their chances of success against English county sides.

Shahid Afridi and Saqlain Mushtaq were the two overseas players last summer.

But neither impressed and Ireland finished bottom of their group with only one victory from nine matches.

Following their return home from the Cricket World Cup, Ireland will only have a just over a week to prepare for their opening match in this years's competition against Kent at Stormont on 29 April.