By Martin Gough
BBC Sport in Guyana |
 | We beat Pakistan fairly and squarely with two born-and-bred Irishmen |
Ireland say they can take motivation from those criticising their presence in the World Cup Super 8 stage.
Vice-captain Kyle McCallan mounted a passionate defence of the foreign-born players in the squad, including Aussie skipper Trent Johnston.
"These guys are not mercenaries who have flown in for the World Cup.
"They have contributed to Irish cricket over a prolonged period and hopefully whose kids in time will contribute to Irish cricket," said McCallan.
"Trent is married to an Irish girl with two Irish kids; Jeremy Bray has lived in Ireland as long as I can remember, as has Andre Botha."
"People are welcome to their own opinions but in a small way it motivates us even more, particularly the guys born and bred in Ireland to show they can compete at this level.
"We beat Pakistan fairly and squarely. Niall O'Brien scored 72 not out and Boyd Rankin got 3-30 - two born and bred Irishmen."
McCallan drew a parallel between Johnston, who played alongside the likes of Mark Taylor and Michael Slater for New South Wales before emigrating, and England's South African-born batsman Kevin Pietersen.
"We miss Trent Johnston when he doesn't play but I imagine England would miss Kevin Pietersen if he doesn't play for them and there's no difference whatsoever," he said.
| The experience we'll take from these next six games is going to be huge |
Meanwhile, Johnston took a shot at those who believed Pakistan and India were more deserving of a place in the second round than Ireland and Bangladesh.
Ireland came through one of the strongest groups after a nail-biting tie with Zimbabwe and an upset of Pakistan in Jamaica on St Patrick's Day.
"It has added fuel to the fire. We were told we didn't deserve to be in the competition when it first started. Now they're saying we don't deserve to be in the Super 8," he said.
"We had to win two games, or draw one and win one, to get through and we did that.
"We're living a dream and the experience we'll take from these next six games is going to be huge for the guys and for Irish cricket."
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