William Porterfield was part of Ireland's 2007 World Cup squad

Ireland captain William Porterfield is hoping his side can emulate their feats in the 2007 World Cup when they begin their qualifying games in South Africa.

Ireland kick off their 2011 campaign on Wednesday, taking on Scotland, the team who beat them in the final of the last qualifying tournament four years ago.

"The World Cup did massive things for cricket in Ireland," said Porterfield.

"You heard people talking about cricket that would never talk about it before. Many people didn't know we had a team."

The opening batsman was one of the stars of his country's 2007 campaign, which saw them cause a sensation by beating Pakistan in the group stage to qualify for the Super Eights.

They also claimed a dramatic tie with Zimbabwe, as well as beating Bangladesh in the Super Eights thanks to a man-of-the-match 85 from Porterfield.

It does not matter whether it's Oman or Afghanistan on the day, we have to play well, and if we don't, anyone can beat us. Coach Phil Simmons

Ireland play the Scots at Willowmoore Park in South Africa, with both teams expected to progress from Group A, which also contains Canada, Namibia, Oman and Uganda.

The top four sides will qualify for the Super Eights, with the leading two from those fixtures contesting the final at Centurion on 19 April and the top four qualifying for the 2011 Cricket World Cup.

Porterfield says the first game of the tournament is "a massive one".

"We are not looking past the first game. If we can come and play our normal game, to our potential, then the result will take care of itself."

Coach Phil Simmons has warned his players against complacency despite their billing as pre-tournament favourites.

"I don't believe we are favourites," he said. "I think this tournament is a lot closer than some people think. We've got to play well on the day.

"It does not matter whether it's Oman or Afghanistan on the day, we have to play well, and if we don't, anyone can beat us.

"I think that once we play to our potential, we will be the best team here.

"But you have to play to that potential and, if you do, then you take away the chance of other people having a good day."

Ireland beat the UAE by eight wickets in their last warm-up game, dismissing their opponents for 132 with Regan West taking 4-21.

Ireland knocked off the runs in just 34.2 overs - Gary Wilson led the way with an unbeaten 83 while Niall O'Brien was 21 not out.

Kyle McCallan is almost certain to miss Wednesday's opener because of a rib injury while Andre Botha is making steady progress following surgery on an ankle but remains a doubt.

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