Stokoe is the first Manx player to be selected for the ICC programme

Isle of Man cricketer Max Stokoe has been selected for the International Cricket Council's European Academy in Dubai later this month.

All-rounder Stokoe is the first Manx player to be picked for the programme, which is run by former Australian wicket keeper Rodney Marsh.

Stokoe told BBC Isle of Man: "This is an incredible opportunity to learn from some extremely talented coaches."

The development programme will run from the 13-25 February.

The Cronkbourne player will join 11 of Europe's most talented players for ten days of expert tuition at the ICC Global Cricket Academy in Dubai's Sports City.

It is a really big opportunity with brilliant coaches and some of Europe's best players to learn from Max Stokoe

Stokoe will receive training from internationally-experienced coaches, and Isle of Man Cricket Development Officer Gareth Dawson said it represented a massive opportunity.

"He will receive coaching from some extraordinary talented individuals and play matches with the finest up and coming talent from across Europe."

The course is run by academy director Rodney Marsh

Stokoe is the only player from an affiliate country, with the other eleven players coming from associate countries such as Ireland, Italy and the Netherlands.

He was originally selected in 2010 but withdraw on safety grounds after a bomb scare in Pune, India.

"It was the right decision at the time and I am really glad that I will get another chance this year - I intend to make the most of it," he said.

Meanwhile Isle of Man under-17 internationals Rowan Bird and Adam McAuley have been selected to attend the European Centre of Excellence in La Manga in April.

Both were instrumental in the Isle of Man winning the ICC European U17 competition on home soil, last summer .

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